nuttyLea  Offline
Nosey Rosie
Joined: Dec 29, 2006
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27967 LabPounds
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No.of Labs: 1
Lab Names: Rosie D.O.B 20/9/2006
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Location: South Shields,Tyne and Wear
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 Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 9:06 pm Post subject: |
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Awww i hope you get to the bottom of this problem very soon!!
Lea x
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Leanne x
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_Helen_ Offline
Aunty Helen
Joined: Dec 27, 2006
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15035 LabPounds
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No.of Labs: 3
Lab Names: Bosun DOB 26.03.03, Rosie DOB? 23.07.05 and Tess DOB? 30.05.04
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Location: Hertfordshire
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| Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 9:12 pm Post subject: |
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I'm so sorry to hear this, it must be very hard for you and Dexter.
I had always thought that paw chewing was caused by stress, so it is very interesting to hear everyones other experiences with diet, pain etc.
Bosun started chewing his paws when on 6 weeks cage rest after an operation. It continued after the cage rest for a good few months. Never to the point where he was bleeding, but he made his paws damp, smelly and a little inflamed. The vet gave me bitter spray, which did'nt really deter him, and he had some anti-inflammatory to take away the 'itch'. That helped break the back of it, but he continued to do it a little bit for another few months.
I hated it and it must be awful watching Dexter hurting himself in this way.
I hope some of the advice you have been given on this thread will be the answer and that Dexter is over this soon.
All the best,
Helen x
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nickynockynoonoo Offline
house trained
Joined: Jan 14, 2007
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2462 LabPounds
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No.of Labs: 1
Lab Names: Zoe
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| Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 11:01 pm Post subject: |
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I'm sure you are at your wits end. It seems that you have tried every conceivable remedy.
Distraction can work up to a certain point but it's similar to a child with eczema. You cannot watch or prevent the scratching/biting 24/7. This leaves the parent/carer/owner in a dilemma.
This is just a shot in the dark. I have tried to think what I may try, if faced with the same situation when all else has failed.
Try bathing each foot in tepid water. Towel dry and when he has had a lick, (which I am sure he will) wait until he stops, even for a second or two and praise OTT and reward. Apologies if I am stating anything obvious. Each time/ foot, increase the length of time between him stopping and you rewarding etc. If it appears to give him relief, continue training and then reintroduce the "Leave it" command.
Having suggested this, it may not help. If the problem is eczema, water makes the irritation worse. I just suggested this because it may be a sweat problem.
I imagine you have tried diverting tactics as in other, more tempting things to chew. Tiring a dog out when it's feet are so sore is a mega-challenge, to say the least.
You have had excellent advice from others on this thread. I am just throwing in an another idea because it may work.
I have just Googled very briefly and seen the Nzymes at the top of the page. I am always wary of products on page 1. - Dig deeper. I will too, when I have time because Lenny will have a bit of a gnaw now and then. I appreciate it is nothing like the problem you have with Dexter but I have often wondered why. I am also surprised at how many other dogs suffer to a lesser extent, to a similar problem.
This is a very busy board. I'm sure that other people will come up with more ideas. With all due respect to vets, they cover a multitude of species and here, we have loads of people who have a vast range of experience with dogs and health/behaviour related problems.
Welcome to the board. I am fairly new myself and have had a very warm welcome.
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perigord Offline
early riser
Joined: Jan 31, 2007
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139 LabPounds
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No.of Labs: 1
Lab Names: Dexter
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| Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:17 pm Post subject: |
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[quote="Diana"]How very distressing for you.....
Have you tried getting a second opinion? I'm sure you have having worked so hard on the problem, but sometimes one vet is great on certain areas but you call another couple and suddenly bingo! You hit a vet who has just made a breakthrough with the same problem with another dog.
I suppose you have but have you considered dust mites in the carpet? Or household cleaners you use? What about the powder you wash the blankets on his bed in...? Could you contact the council and see if where you walk him is ever sprayed with any chemicals?
You have covered so much its hard to take it further.
I would say foot chewing is a sign of pain. A dog can release painkilling endorphins into his system by chewing at his paws. You regularly see bitches having contractions whilst whelping chewing their pads as it releases a bit of gas and air for humans  So possibly there could be pain elsewhere - or maybe WAS pain at one point and he has literally, inexplicably got into the habit because he likes the rush it gives... I am not joking, does that make sense even if it is incorrect in this case?
I really wish you luck this sounds dreadful.
Di[/ Thanks Di, I will print off all this advice. The vet has just said this is now how Dexter will be for ever (he is only 6). So I am trying the fish and brown rice route and have just been advised of a product for paws called camara ointment - its used for horses - and so I am going to try on Dexter's paws.]
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