Why is my dog licking so much that a sore spot forms?

Pet-owners want to know: Why is my dog licking so much that a sore spot forms?

It’s a lot like kids who suck their thumb — once the habit starts, it’s hard to break. Here’s what you need to know about causes and treatment.

A dog’s list of annoying habits can often be endless. Obsessive itching, licking, scratching, urinating on your favorite rug, jumping up on people— endless. Similar habits, such as dog licking that is taken to self-harm levels, that results in the dog developing sores called lick granulomas.

Maybe you’ve seen this: a raised, red sore on a front leg that your dog licks at obsessively. Or perhaps you never seen your dog lick, but the sore is there all the same.

Chances are you told your dog to stop, so they learned to become secretive about licking. Well, these sores are surprisingly common.

Why your dog is constantly licking one spot

Dogs aren’t much different from us. Once the habit starts, it’s hard to break.

The reason is that the dog licking releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. The dog licks, it feels good, and the dog doesn’t want to stop licking.

You may hear your vet refer to the condition as acral lick dermatitis, or ALD, where dogs are licking their legs so much that sores developed.

Studies have shown that when nature’s own morphine-like substances — the endorphins — are involved in ALD, because affected dogs’ self-licking behavior decreased dramatically when the dogs were treated with endorphin antagonists. Since endorphins are released when stress arises, it can be confirmed that licking appears in situations where stress is involved.

Possible Health-Related Causes of the Licking

For most dogs, the habit starts with a trigger in the form of an itch, ache or infection.

It may be that the dog has arthritis or an allergy, and rather than lick the specific spot, the dog chooses a comfortable place to lick — which is often a forearm or paw.

Common triggers:

• Arthritis

• Parasitic infection that causes a general itch

• A bacterial skin infection

• Ringworm

• Skin allergies triggering an itch

More than half of dogs with acral lick dermatitis are suspected to have concurrent fear- or anxiety-based conditions or both (e.g., separation anxiety, noise phobia, anxiety-related aggression).

The Derma Dilemma

The problem is that a veterinarian cannot give the owner a specific recipe for a cure. The skin lesions will heal slightly, almost seem like they are going to heal, but then overnight (or during the day while left alone) the lick granuloma is activated by the dog licking the area raw once again.

Even worse, some dogs will simply switch to licking the other leg if you restrict their ability to lick the first leg by wrapping it in a cast, creating an even more annoying problem—now there are 2 lick granulomas!

Does Your Dog Do This? If So, Act Quickly.

If your dog starts to lick obsessively, seek the help of your veterinarian. Getting to the bottom of the cause, and early treatment, is the best way to stop the problem from becoming ingrained.

Alongside treating the lick granuloma, your vet may want to run tests to investigate any underlying problems.

Treatment of Lick Granulomas / Sore Spots in Dogs

Think of this as a 2-pronged attack: tackling both the sores and the underlying cause.

Lick granulomas are frustrating because even with successful treatment, the dog is likely to relapse. To stand any chances of long-term success, therapy must continue for at least 4 weeks after the symptoms have ceased.

Treating the sores:

• Antibiotics or antifungals

• Local anesthetic creams

• Anti-inflammatory medications (to reduce the skin tingle)

• Bandages or an Elizabethan collar (“cone of shame”)

• Mood-modifying drugs

Your vet may try one or a combination of the treatments above.

Frustratingly, putting an Elizabethan collar on doesn’t work well because as soon as it is removed, the licking starts again and the dog will activate the lesion all over again.

Addressing the underlying triggers:

• The first step is to find out what they are. This could mean blood tests, skin biopsies or radiographs.

• In the case of allergies, starting the dog on a hypoallergenic diet is a great idea, as is testing for environmental allergens.

• Regular parasite treatments against fleas and mites are crucial to keep parasitic itches at bay.

Ultimately, to find the right solution for your dog, speak with your vet.

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Dog Health

What fruits can dogs eat?

You already know that fruit is important for keeping yourself healthy, but did you know that it’s great for your dog, too? While dogs don’t need fruit to be at their healthiest, the addition of fresh fruits to your pup’s normal diet, with permission and instructions from your vet, can provide them with an added boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as some always-welcome extra hydration.

An important thing to remember, however, when it comes to feeding your dog fruit is that while many fruits are great for dogs, that doesn’t mean all of them are. In addition to checking out our list of the fruits that you shouldn’t feed your furry friend at the bottom of this page, you should also be sure to pay attention to how your dog responds to certain fruits. If you notice signs of an upset stomach or other discomfort, don’t feed them that type of fruit anymore—even if it’s otherwise safe for them. it’s also important to introduce new foods slowly, so as to pinpoint these possible affects.

Apples

An apple a day might not keep the vet away, but slices or otherwise small bits of apple make excellent treats and meal toppers. Just be sure not to feed your dog any apple seeds, since they contain small amounts of cyanide and also pose a choking risk.

Benefits:

• Help clean teeth and freshen breath.

• Contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, and there are also phyto-chemicals in the skin, which have been found to combat the growth of cancer cells in laboratory studies.

Bananas

Bananas have a ton of health benefits for our furry friends. They’re also innately portable, making them a good snack to bring along for the two of you to share on long walks.

Benefits:

• The fiber in bananas may be good for your dog's digestion.

• Contain high amounts of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.

Blackberries

It’s safe to share blackberries with your pup, though use your best judgment in terms of cutting them up into smaller bites. Stick to sweeter blackberries, instead of tart ones, which your dog will likely prefer.

Benefits:

• May have antibacterial properties that support good oral health.

• Contain vitamins C and K, manganese, and fiber.

Blueberries

Dogs tend to love blueberries, which are already perfectly sized as treats for mouths both big and small. If you’re dealing with a tiny dog or a big blueberry though, cut the berry in half before serving.

Benefits:

• Blueberries are low in sugar and fat and make a good treat for dogs who need to avoid too many extra calories.

• Contain vitamins C and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and antioxidants.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a safe and healthy fruit for your dog to enjoy, but avoid feeding the rind, since the rough texture can cause intestinal damage.

Benefits:

High doses of beta-carotene, which is good for your dog’s vision and immune system.

Contains vitamins A, B-6, and C, as well as fiber, potassium, folate, and niacin.

Cranberries

Thanksgiving isn’t the only reason to stock these sweet treats in your home. Cranberries can be fed to your dog raw, cooked, or dried, but skip the sugar-laden cranberry sauce (sorry, Fido).

Benefits:

• Cranberries are high in antioxidants.

• Contain vitamins C and E, as well as a range of B vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and B-6.
  

Papaya

Go ahead and feed papaya to your pup. The flesh of this exotic fruit makes an excellent snack.

Benefits:

• Contain vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate.

• Hi in fiber, calcium, and potassium.

Raspberries

When consumed in moderation, raspberries serve as a delicious treat for you dog. And most dogs seem to like them, especially when they’re at their peak sweetness in summer.

Benefits:

• Thought to help fight against cancer, circulatory disease, and age-related decline.

• Contain vitamin C, folic acid, copper, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants.
  

Strawberries

Like most other berries, strawberries are chock-full of antioxidants. For safe feeding, slice off the leaves at the top first and then quarter the strawberry. If your dog is small, cut each quarter in half (or smaller).

Benefits:

• Strawberries can provide a big boost to the immune system with their high level of antioxidants. They also have a high water content, making them a hydrating snack.

• Contain vitamins C, B-6, K, and E, as well as folate, potassium, and manganese.

Watermelon

Nothing is quite as satisfying on a hot day as a juicy slice of watermelon, and our dogs agree. Just don’t feed the rind or seeds, which are difficult for your dog to digest.

Benefits:

• High in lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against cell damage.

• Contain vitamins A, B-6, and C, as well as thiamin, which helps convert fat, protein, and carbohydrates into energy.

• Incredibly hydrating thanks to a high water content.

Fruits You Shouldn’t Feed Your Dog

While the list of fruits that dogs can eat is long, as a responsible pet parent you should also be aware of the fruits that dogs can’t eat. These include:

• Cherries

• Grapefruit

• Grapes

• Lemons

• Limes

• Plums

Always err on the side of safety when it comes to feeding your dog any type of fruit for the first time. Even fruits that aren’t on this list can pose a problem to your particular dog, so do your research, feed only small amounts at first, and be on the lookout for signs of a bad reaction.

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Dog Health

Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

The pancreas has many functions, including the production and secretion of digestive enzymes and the production of insulin. Digestive enzymes are critical for food digestion, while insulin aids in the control of the metabolism and blood-sugar levels. Pancreatitis means “inflammation” of the pancreas and acute means “sudden.” When the pancreas becomes inflamed, digestive enzymes that are normally inactive until they reach the small intestine become active in the pancreas instead—resulting in pain and swelling as the pancreas actually begins to digest itself.

Risks of Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

There are many suggested causes of acute pancreatitis including: obesity, high-fat diets, endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism, and various medications or toxins. Even if your dog doesn’t normally eat a high-fat diet, the introduction of a large amount of fatty food all at once can cause acute pancreatitis. Veterinarians see an increase in pancreatitis around the holidays, since many people think a nice way to celebrate is to share their holiday meals with their dog. In addition, dogs that get into garbage are much more likely to develop pancreatitis, so be sure to keep your trash out of your dog’s reach! Pancreatitis can occur in any dog, but some breeds are more susceptible to this disease. They include the miniature schnauzer, miniature poodle, and cocker spaniel. Additionally, pancreatitis is more common in middle-age to older dogs, overweight dogs, and females.

Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

The most common symptoms of acute pancreatitis in dogs are loss of appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms you may notice include:

• Swollen abdomen

• Abnormal posture; arching of the back

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Restlessness

• Gagging

• Diagnosis/Treatment

Your veterinarian will take a complete history and perform a thorough physical exam. Additionally, diagnostic tests will be required to identify if your dog has acute pancreatitis. These may include:

• Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic disease or dysfunction, as well as blood sugar levels

• A complete blood count to screen your pet for infection, inflammation, or anemia and other blood-related conditions

• Electrolyte tests to ensure your dog is neither dehydrated nor suffering from an electrolyte imbalance

• Pancreas-specific tests to help diagnose or rule out the disease

• Imagaing studies to evalutate the pancreas and other abdominal organs

The treatment of pancreatitis depends on the severity of the disease and may include:

• Hospitalization at the veterinary clinic and in more severe cases 24 hour intensive care and monitoring

• Intravenous fluids

• Pain medicine

• Antivomiting medication (antiemetics)

• Antibiotics, if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected

• Nutritional support

• Other medications, depending on your dog’s symptoms

Keep in mind that your veterinarian may recommend that some diagnostic tests, such as the CBC, chemistry tests, and pancreatic-specific tests be repeated to monitor your dog’s progress during treatment.

Your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan that is specific for your pet. Make sure you give all medications as directed and carefully follow any dietary recommendations. Following recovery a low fat diet may be recommended to decrease the chance of recurrence. Keep a close eye on your best friend; if he or she becomes lethargic or stops eating, call your veterinarian right away.

Prevention of Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

While you can’t completely prevent acute pancreatitis, the following will help reduce the risk of your dog developing the disease and ensure his health and well-being:

• Don’t let your dog become overweight—weight management is just as important for our four-legged friends as it is for us!

• Avoid high-fat diets.

• Avoid giving your dog table scraps, especially if he isn’t accustomed to eating people food.

• Make sure you discuss all medications your dog is receiving with your veterinarian.

• Don’t let your dog have access to garbage

If you suspect your pet is overweight or potentially suffering from pancreatitis, please call your vet.

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Dog Health

Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs

Epilepsy is a general term for neurological disorders that are characterized by recurrent seizures. In some cases, the seizures are caused by trauma, a toxin, a brain tumor, an infection, or an issue with your dog’s blood, kidneys, or other organs. At other times, the epilepsy is referred to as “idiopathic,” which simply means that there is no identifiable, underlying cause.

Seizures commonly fall into two categories: generalized (grand mal) or partial (focal). Generalized seizures commonly appear as involuntary jerking or twitching movements of all four limbs with loss of consciousness. Partial seizures may involve one limb, side of the body, or face. Partial seizures may progress to generalized seizures. Seizures may also result in abnormal behavior, vocalization, salivation, chomping/chewing, and involuntary urination and defecation.

Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy typically have their first seizures between the ages of 6 months to 6 years. Though idiopathic epilepsy can occur in any breed, it is considered an inheritable disease in many breeds and in some breeds a genetic basis has been identified. Therefore, dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy should not be used for breeding. Commonly affected breeds include:

• Labrador retrievers

• Golden retrievers

• Poodles

• Keeshonds

• Beagles

• German shepherds

• Dachshunds

• Irish setters

• Cocker spaniels

Symptoms of Epilepsy in Dogs

Prolonged seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or two or more consecutive seizures without full recovery are referred to as status epilepticus. This is a true emergency and you should seek immediate veterinary care for you pet. Two or more seizures in 24 hours are referred to as cluster seizures and are an indication for beginning anti-seizure medication.

In dogs, seizures often occur in three distinct phases:

1. The first is called the aural phase and the most common signs are behavioral changes. These changes may be subtle and include restlessness, attention seeking or anxious behavior.

2. The second phase, called the ictal phase, is when the seizure itself takes place. A seizure can last from just a few seconds to several minutes.

3. The final phase is called the postictal phase, which occurs after the seizure. During this phase, your dog may seem restless, incoordinated and/or disoriented. Occasionally, temporary blindness, deafness or other neurologic abnormalities may occur.

It may be difficult to watch your pet have a seizure but most are of short duration and cause no permanent harm. Avoid being bitten by keeping your hands away from your pet’s mouth during a seizure. If it can be done safely, provide padding and move your pet away from stairs to prevent injury.

Diagnosis of Epilepsy in Dogs

Your veterinarian will take a complete history and perform a thorough physical and neurological exam to determine if there is an identifiable, underlying cause of your dog’s seizure.

In order to do so, the following tests may be recommended:

• Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels and electrolytes

• A complete blood count to screen for infection, inflammation, anemia, and other blood-related conditions

• Urinalysis

• PCR testing and/or serology to evaluate for infectious diseases that may cause seizures

• Referral to a neurologist for advanced testing including MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis

• Cultures, PCR testing, and other specialized tests that can identify if specific parasites or diseases could be the cause

Treatment of Epilepsy in Dogs

Epilepsy cannot be cured, but it can usually be controlled with anticonvulsant drugs. If your veterinarian determines that your dog’s epilepsy is idiopathic, one or more of the following medications may be prescribed:

• Phenobarbital helps reduce the frequency of your dog’s seizures and is the most prescribed medication for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. It is generally a well-tolerated drug.

• Potassium bromide is another seizure medication that may be added to your dog’s treatment, if she does not respond well to phenobarbital alone.

With these medications, as with all drugs, some patients experience side effects. In order to make sure an adequate dose is being given, and to monitor for side effects, it is important that blood levels of each medication as well as complete blood counts and blood chemistry profiles be monitored periodically. Liver function tests may also be indicated. Your veterinarian will advise what monitoring needs to be done and how often. Medication dosages should not be changed without talking to your veterinarian.

Dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy may require treatment for life, and sometimes more than one drug is needed for adequate seizure control. And while many dogs are well controlled, some are not despite multiple medications. In addition, adequate seizure control does not necessarily guarantee that a dog will be entirely seizure free. The degree of seizure control may need to be balanced against potential side effects of the medications.

Management of Epilepsy in Dogs

Besides medication, there are many ways for you, yourself, to help manage your pet’s epilepsy:

• Maintain a seizure log that lists date, time, length and severity of seizures as well as videotape and share this with your veterinarian

• Do not change or discontinue medications without consulting your veterinarian

• Have blood work and other lab work done when recommended by your veterinarian

• Consult your veterinarian whenever you notice a change in your pet’s condition

• Put a medical alert tag on your pet’s collar so that if he becomes lost, whoever finds him will be aware of their seizure disorder and need for medication.

Several treatments are available for pets with epilepsy. By working closely with your veterinarian, you can maximize the chances of controlling the disorder and giving your pet a long, happy, and comfortable life.

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4 Rainy Season Dangers You Might Not Know Of

Each year, certain parts of North America are bombarded with rain. While this may be good for the garden, high rainfall can potentially pose some real threats to your dog.

1. Mushrooms

During the rainy season, mushrooms may pop up in your yard with more frequency. There are thousands of species of mushrooms, but thankfully only about 100 are poisonous. That said, mushroom identification is very difficult, so it's hard to tell which are poisonous versus which are benign. As a result, whenever you see mushrooms growing in your yard, make sure to remove them immediately and throw them away to prevent accidental ingestion by your dog. If your dog does get into a mushroom, contact your veterinarian immediately about inducing vomiting to get any potential toxin out.

Certain types of mushrooms may cause organ injury including:

• Gastrointestinal injury (signs include drooling, not eating, vomiting, diarrhea)

• Liver linjury (signs include vomiting, black tarry stool, yellow skin)

• Kidney injury (signs include abnormal urination and thirst)

• Cardiovascular injury (signs include a very slow or rapid heart rate)

• Neurologic injury (signs include hallucinations, tremors, seizures)

When in doubt, get to your veterinarian immediately as it's easier - and less expensive - to treat early on versus once clinical signs have developed.

2. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis, a bacteria-like spirochete, is carried naturally by wildlife, like rodents and raccoons. In high rainfall situations, it’s prevalent in the environment. In dogs that have exposure to water sources, contaminated by wildlife urine (puddles, streams, ponds, etc.), transmission can occur. Canine leptospirosis can result in liver injury and acute kidney injury.

Signs of leptospirosis include:

• Vomiting

• Not eating

• Malaise

• Yellow skin

• Excessive thirst

• Urination

As leptospirosis can accidentally be transmitted to humans, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about prevention, including vaccines.

3. Mosquitoes

While mosquitoes may seem like just a pesky insect to you, they can be life-threatening to your dog. That's because mosquitoes can carry Dirofilaria, which transmits heartworm infection to your dog. Thankfully, there is a very effective preventative in either a topical or oral form. When in doubt, use year-round control to prevent problems from mosquitoes. If your dog has thin fur or skin and is more predisposed to getting bitten, use Skin So Soft or a topical insect repellent that repels mosquitoes. Talk to your veterinarian to be safe before applying anything.

Click here to learn more about heartworm disease in dogs.

4. Toads and frogs

Depending on where you live in the United States, certain types of toads - specifically the Bufo marinus or Bufo alvarius - can be poisonous to dogs. In fact, a dog drinking water from an outside dog bowl, that had a poisonous toad sitting in it, can result in clinical signs of:

• drooling

• panting

• walking drunk

• a racing heart rate

• a very slow heart rate

• even seizures

Frogs are not toxic, but can cause gastrointestinal upset when ingested.

To be safe, supervise your dog outside to prevent accidental ingestion of dangers like toads and frogs. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 if you think your dog is ill or could have ingested something poisonous.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

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