How do you stop dogs from licking themselves?

Answer 1

There are several ways you can train you dog to stop (yelling is useless and one should never hit the dog.)

Dogs can chew because they are frustrated. For instance, if you are at work even part-time it's best to get your dog out for a good run and they'll be too tired to chew. Dogs can get lonely and if it's a large dog very restless and need to stretch those muscles. If in doubt as to how your dog feels, think of how you would feel sitting around a house all day without much exercise. Letting your dog out into the backyard is not exercise. Dogs love to smell and run through the grass or on beaches or trails.

If the dog is still persistent in chewing then shake your finger at the dog and say "Bad Dog" (dogs are intelligent creatures and understand more words than humans give them credit for) and then put him in a kennel (with blanket inside) for 20 minutes. Keep being persistent with this because the dog will get the message. If you don't have a kennel buy one from any pet groomer because they are cheaper by far there. Then disinfect it (they are usually pretty clean, but I always clean them again).

Another way to do this is if you catch the dog chewing on your furniture, shoes, etc., take a clean squirt bottle full of cold water and when you catch the dog chewing squirt him in the face twice. Keep at it. Be persistent and it will work. I just trained a 6 month old from this and I used the kennel method.

Answer 2

There's a good chance you're dealing with Allergies. If that's the case, treat the allergy and cure the itch. Most allergies are food related. Try switching to a food that doesn't have corn or that uses a different protein (ie switch from chicken to lamb) and see if that helps.

Try a hydrocortizone cream or spray to reduce inflammation and itching. Many products are available at your drug store or pet store.

Try a product meant to make something taste bad, such as Bitter Apple or Tabasco, but be very careful that you do not get it in any open wounds.

Your vet may recommend over the counter allergy medications. Be very careful. Many over the counter medications are toxic to pets. The dosages will not be similar to a person of the same weight as the pet either. So get the straight scoop from your vet on what to give and how much.

If all else fails, your vet may resort to prescription steroids, a prescription diet, or allergy testing to determine the best course of treatment.

it probabaly has allergies. my dog chews on her paws a lot and we had to wash them with medicated shampoo and give her pills. or maybee a tick? definitely call a vet no matter what

It could have a tick. Or it's alergies i no it sounds weird but i guesss they get them too! my dog chews on her paws and we wash her paws with medicated shampoo and give her dog pills. definitely bring your dog to the vet though!

There is also a possibility that your dog has a psychological problem. Itching, though commonly linked to allergies or "doggie" dermatitis, can be connected with stress, anxiety, or even a doggie form of Obsessive Compulsive disorder (in which the dog chews or grooms the same spot for hours on end). If the vet can find no reason for the itching, after allergy testing or mange testing, perhaps you should look into a behaviorist. Most psychological problems can be fixed with medication, similar to humans. Consult your vet, veterinary dermatology specialist, or a veterinary behaviorist.

Answer 3

Dogs lick themselves to keep themselves clean. It is just their nature, and is harmless. It is not really something to break. If they are licking themselves to the point that their skin is irritated or raw, they need to go to the vet. There is something going on there that is causing them irritation and needs to be addressed.

Answer 4

If a dog is chewing itself constantly that is usually an indication that something is itching the dog and the chewing is done to try and alleviate the itching. In order to stop this you have to find out why the dog is itching, usually it is because of dry skin, or it can have a sore on its body. For dry skin it would be a good idea to buy food that is especially formulated to help dogs with dry skin, and to buy oil to put on the dog's food. But otherwise it would be a good idea to take the dog to the vet to make sure why the dog is chewing.

Answer 5

My dog does the exact same thing!

Here are a few tips. Try them all and see which works best for your dog:

1.) Every time you see the dog chewing its feet, spray cold water in their face. That will instantly stop them.

2.) Get a spray bottle and fill it with vinegar. Spray it on the dogs feet. They hate that taste. But they may lick it all off.

3.) Clean out their feet with antibacterial wipes. Ask the vet if they have any special wipes you could clean their feet with.

*I hope this helped!*