Dogs lick - a lot because like barking, scratching and chewing, licking is innate in dogs. Any of these behaviors would become a problem of the dog owner if it becomes excessive. Lick sores also known as lick granuloma, or acral lick dermatitis is one of the results of excessive licking.
The dog would start licking a spot on the ankle. The constant rubbing of the raspy tongue will eventually harden the skin; remove the hair and make the spot red and shiny. Insensitive to the pressure created by the tongue, the dog will incessantly lick the spot until the skin breaks and become infected.
Lick sores are commonly found on the wrist of the front legs and on the area above the paw of the hind legs. This skin concern is most common in short haired dog breeds like Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Irish Setter and in Golden Retrievers. The skin sore can start from a flea or an insect bite or from a fungal and bacterial infection. Lick granulomas are believed to have a psychogenic origin as pets that are usually left alone all day would develop this skin concern. Lick sores therefore are associated with boredom and inactivity.
The dog's lick sores can be difficult to eliminate as the condition can arise from various conditions thus no single cure will be effective. The tendency of the dog to lick the affected spot worsens the condition. It is therefore necessary for a dog owner to know the possible reasons for the dog's obsessive and compulsive licking as treatment will be geared towards eliminating the underlying cause of the problem.
Lick sores can be a nightmare not because this health concern is life threatening but because it can be very difficult to cure. Nowadays, laser surgery that removes the diseased tissues is the most popular mode of treatment for lick sores. This costly treatment method becomes ineffective when the dog starts to lick again. Antibiotics and other topical medications can be applied to the lesion. The dog's licking habit though has to be modified. To prevent the dog from licking, the affected leg can be bandaged. Bad tasting substances like Bitter Apple and Tabasco can be applied to deter the dog from licking. An Elizabethan collar can also be used.
Management of lick sores is focused on preventive measures rather than cure. The owner has to keep an eye on the dog and once signs of excessive licking are noticed, the preventive measures must be applied.
The dog would start licking a spot on the ankle. The constant rubbing of the raspy tongue will eventually harden the skin; remove the hair and make the spot red and shiny. Insensitive to the pressure created by the tongue, the dog will incessantly lick the spot until the skin breaks and become infected.
Lick sores are commonly found on the wrist of the front legs and on the area above the paw of the hind legs. This skin concern is most common in short haired dog breeds like Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Irish Setter and in Golden Retrievers. The skin sore can start from a flea or an insect bite or from a fungal and bacterial infection. Lick granulomas are believed to have a psychogenic origin as pets that are usually left alone all day would develop this skin concern. Lick sores therefore are associated with boredom and inactivity.
The dog's lick sores can be difficult to eliminate as the condition can arise from various conditions thus no single cure will be effective. The tendency of the dog to lick the affected spot worsens the condition. It is therefore necessary for a dog owner to know the possible reasons for the dog's obsessive and compulsive licking as treatment will be geared towards eliminating the underlying cause of the problem.
Lick sores can be a nightmare not because this health concern is life threatening but because it can be very difficult to cure. Nowadays, laser surgery that removes the diseased tissues is the most popular mode of treatment for lick sores. This costly treatment method becomes ineffective when the dog starts to lick again. Antibiotics and other topical medications can be applied to the lesion. The dog's licking habit though has to be modified. To prevent the dog from licking, the affected leg can be bandaged. Bad tasting substances like Bitter Apple and Tabasco can be applied to deter the dog from licking. An Elizabethan collar can also be used.
Management of lick sores is focused on preventive measures rather than cure. The owner has to keep an eye on the dog and once signs of excessive licking are noticed, the preventive measures must be applied.
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