Tips to help curtail dog’s obsessive paw-licking habit

Dear Cathy: Our Lab, Addie, will often lick only one of her front legs until it’s raw. She’ll scratch herself occasionally, but it’s nowhere near as often as the licking.

Our vet said that this is often a sign of anxiety and that there really isn’t a foolproof cure for it, although one daily 10 milligram prednisone for a hundred days helped very much.

What is your opinion about this canine habit, and what would you do? — Leslie, Oklahoma

Dear Leslie: If your veterinarian ruled out medical problems, then Addie’s licking is probably from stress, anxiety or boredom. Licking releases endorphins, which makes dogs feel better, which is why it soon becomes an obsessive behavior. There are products on the market that treat hot spots and contain ingredients that deter licking, which I recommend along with the following suggestions.

Provide Addie with a pheromone collar to reduce some of her anxiety or put a pheromone plug-in in the room where she mostly hangs out. Then, combine some training with mental stimulation to keep her focused on other things.

When Addie begins to lick her paws, say “Addie, no lick.” When she looks at you, say her reward word, such as “bingo,” which tells her she did something right, followed by a treat. If she doesn’t stop to look at you, snap your fingers or clap your hands to get her attention.

Next, give her a puzzle toy. Puzzle toys hold treats, which keeps your dog busy as she figures out how to get them out. The more active she is, the less she will obsessively lick.

Try these things and let me know how she does.

Dear Cathy: Many years ago, I made arrangements in my will for my dog and cat. I have a friend who will take care of my pets until each one can go to a new home, and I have provided financial assistance for each pet. If Louisa (the woman in your column who was denied an adoption because of her age) assures the rescue group that she has made similar arrangements for the dog she wants to adopt, they may reconsider. — Marcee, Las Vegas

Dear Marcee: It’s not wrong to ask an adopter what arrangements might be made for a pet should they not be able to care for that pet anymore. But the rescue group would have to implement that policy for all adopters in order to not discriminate against her again.

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