PetSmart Logic

[smoke-eater]

My old Lab, Petey, is getting a bit OCD in his senior years. He has always claimed the loveseat as his, and sleeps there every night. Lately he has picked up the habit of licking his front paws at night, leaving wet spots on the cushions. I went to the local PetSmart to buy something to discourage the licking. The sales associate handed me a bottle of Grannick's Bitter Apple, and told me to spray it onto the chair, but "I don't recommend you spraying on the dog." I asked why not. She said, "Because it tastes really bad." :roll: I asked her if that was not the whole idea behind using the product. :roll: :roll:

 

[RugerHound]

smoke-eater: Often times when a dog begins licking its paws there can be a real reason behind it. Causes can range from food alergies to ticks, corns, and other fungal infections. Not always, but many times... I would be especially concerned with a senior who has never exhibited such behavior before. I strongly recommend taking Petey to the vet for a just-in-case visit.

 

[skeeter]

I think older dogs lick their paws because they hurt from arthritis. That's about all a dog can do. Try some pain releivers. See a vet.

 

[finesse_r]

As long as that is all the old guy is licking, I would not worry about it. There are much worse habits and old dog might pick up, to replace licking his paws. I also like the response about it possibly being that his paws hurt from arthritis. I would leave well enough alone.

 

[Jim Puke]

Probably arthritis...seen several dogs do it...that is what was causing it. Vet said children's Bayer aspirins would give an old dog some relief from arthritic issues.

 

[gramps]

Rimidyl, a vetinary drug for dogs, works great for their aches and pains.
gramps

 

[Cholo]

If it's joint problems, I recommend Cosequin that's available at Walmart, or online. I get the one with the Brittney Spaniel on it as it's the strongest; one per day and my 12 year old lab won't spit it out.

If that doesn't work, see your Vet. A good Vet will recommend an Rx that can usually be bought cheaper in people form. Just ask as it might not be a joint problem at all.

 

[Big Old Boy]

Put a cover on the love seat that's what we do, let him lick.

 

[smoke-eater]

As long as that is all the old guy is licking, I would not worry about it.

Well, he also occasionally tries to "hump" the cat, much to her annoyance. :shock: Something he's never attempted to do before. They've always been best buddies.

The original focus of my post was the girl at PetSmart who told me not to spray the product on the dog because "it tastes really bad", when that is the very purpose of the product. But I do appreciate all the helpful advice.

 

[toysoldier]

My terrier mix licked his paws, and the vet said it was a fungal condition caused in part by food allergy. A special diet has resulted in a lot less licking.

 

[Racer9]

My poor old dog has picked up a much worse habit. Goes out to P, comes in to crap!
I afraid the end is nigh for her, won't eat, vomits, down to skin and bones, very hard time getting up at all, wobbly when she does get up, and sometimes just falls over. 15 years old.
From happier days.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Racer9 sorry to hear about your dog.

My Lab licks his feat as well, and he's only 4-1/2. Good dog but some nights he wakes me up with that. Been thinking about trying that Dinovite they advertise on the radio. Anyone try that?

 

[Racer9]

Racer9 sorry to hear about your dog.

Thank you very much, had to put her down yesterday.

 

[Acorn]

Racer9 sorry to hear about your dog.

Thank you very much, had to put her down yesterday.

Sorry for your troubles. It's a hard thing to have to do. When we had to put our Chow Chow down my wife and I cried like babies. They leave a hole in you when they go.