[TangerineFizz]

Those of you with foot chewers, what do you do? Abby is chewing her feet raw. It used to be outdoor allergies that would make her chew her feet, but it's been winter for 9 months now, so I know it's not that.

It started at Christmas time when she got too many wheat based cookies, and she started the nibbling of her paw just above her toes - she nibbled all her fur off. The spot has gone from smaller then a dime to two quarters together.

She's been totally grain free since then, but now I don't know if it's habit, or what the deal is. The last time we were at the vet's the vet said to give it some time, and gave me some cream for it.

I made her wear a bootie today so she can't get at it.

 

[MidwestGirl]

Sounds like a habit...try distracting her with a toy.

 

[millstonekennel]

Have you tried washing her feet?

 

[zoesmom]

Try soaking for as long as you will let her with epsom salt/warm water.

Perhaps some "purple stuff"? I use that solution on all sorts of Zoe issues.

 

[justine]

Is she on antihistamines or anything for her allergies? If not, maybe try that. I've also heard good things about adding omega-3 fatty acids to their diets.. sometimes that helps.

Is the creme for hot-spots or for allergies?

 

[Samson]

Try Thornit Kas ! It's supposed to work on irritated feet as well ! I bought some for my pups ears at the recommendation of Rosie ! It's £6.0 + for a tiny pot but it goes a long way ! I haven't tried it on mine yet but it's worth a try !

petmeds.co.uk - look under "ears"

 

[jzgrlduff]

Poor baby Abzilla. Are you sure she's not allergic to something else? We found out Frankie was allergic to egg and fish products as his left ear was always getting gunky. Cut those out completely and now, months later, it's gunking up again. Obviously he's still having a reaction to something.

*sigh*

Does your vet do allergy testing? I wish mine did...

 

[Buddy and Bailey]

when buddy is chewing his paw I put him on benydrl for abit and then it clears it all up. I would try that and see if it's allergies. If you think it's habit spray bitter apple on it.

 

[Jenica]

Jenica is doing exactly the same nonsense. She does it mostly in the morning when we are having breakfast and are getting ready for work. We tried Benadryl and it did not help. We also tried fish oil, which helped for a bit, so we moved her to fish food and she was a little better, but this winter has been worse than ever before.
Our vet thinks it is environmental allergies, and since she continues in the winter her guess is on dust and other things in the house. So we are trying to wash her bedding more regularly and bath her feet with either medicated or anti fungal shampoo.
We think there may also be some habit in it, so we interrupt her whenever she gets started.
We are also keeping her currently on grain free food and treats and nothing that has molasses/beet pulp in it, or her ears are getting gunky again.

 

[Luvmydog2much]

I put Gold Bond on Rhys' feet when he's particularly chewy.

Hope that helps.

 

[sloigo]

Kiana does that if she has chicken.......we have stuck to lamb with her & she is much better. She still has the issues with the new grass popping out in spring but at least its not year round!

 

[Top Of The Hill]

Same issue here, but we've never really discovered what the root cause is. Our Vet prescribed some cream which we use the minute we notice an irritation starting. It's expensive stuff, but seems to work. Of course you have to be watching her 24/7 because she knows she's not supposed to chew her feet and will quietly slip into another room so she can chew in peace. While she has always scratched a fair bit, she really has no problem with the rest of her skin. Has never even had a hot spot. She had yeasty ears as a pup, but with the odd cleaning they are fine now too.

In her case it's not constant (though quite frequent). You'd think if it was caused by allergy it would be happening constantly....rather than sporadically. I think it has maybe got to be a bit of a habit.....kind of like people who bite their nails.