Ok, after six labs this is a first for me. She has given herself a licking wound on her back right leg. It got infected and we went to the vet. They gave us a cone (a whole other story) and antibiotics. We went back yesterday and they are happy with it and she doesn't need more antibiotics. We talked about a medication to stop licking; it somehow blocks the enzymes that start the itching cycle. First problem, I don't think it actually itches. I think it is now an obsessive compulsive problem. I said no to the anti-itch medicine. Last night I wrapped it and she went to bed. I thought we were all good then she came out and it looked worse than before. Right now, I have on a sock, a wrap and bitter spray and she is laying on the deck and everything is fine. I am looking for any advice. Lavender, more attention, more stimulating toys, medication or find a way to cover it and move on?
They do get bored easy if not stimulated and licking can manifest. Not sure what you do but try new training exercises every day, hide treats in the house and garden give frozen kongs feed from a puzzle teach to sit wait give a paw ect little things like this there are lots of training videos on this site to experiment with. Labs are very intelligent and get up to all sorts if not stimulated.
The anti itching medication will provide you with some information about whether the vet is correct or your puppy is displaying OCD. What are the side effects of the medicationthat seem to prevent you from gathering the information? Following your approach I don't understand how you can tell whether the dog finds it to be itchy.
I wonder if the inflatable cone thing rather than the hard plastic cone would help by putting it on overnight? Worked for one dog but not the other, he was longer in his body and could still reach leg to lick. Sorry I don't have a pic. It looks like a water life jacket though just around the neck. Was more comfortable.
I have a dog who does this. He has problem anal glands. Back right leg, he has had this problem for most of his life, he's nearly five. We are regulars at the vets. We've never needed antibiotics and my vet doesn't believe in giving them unnecessarily, I'm so good at keeping on top of it now infection isn't an issue. My boy is so used to having his leg checked/cleaned, he sees his first aid box and lies down with his leg out. He's well rewarded for his efforts though. Pain can cause this licking, which then becomes habitual. https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Dog-Collars/Comfy-Cone-Large-25-cm/B000XY7CKE I use this.
Hi Cupcase, I'm looking for something like that for my lab. Can I ask what size you got and whether it works OK? Roxy's cut her back leg and her inflatable collar hasn't stopped her removing one of the two stitches. The plastic cone from the vets looks very uncomfortable. She weighs 25kg and is of a working breed. According to the measurements a size of large should be OK.
The large cone is perfect for preventing him getting to anywhere on his body. He's 30kg and this cone is wipable and I don't need a collar to keep it on as it's velcro.
Itching happens because of many reasons and sometimes for no reason. If you think medication is not the solution to the problem and it is all about craving, then you should go with any wearable remedy. If your vet advised you to go with cone, then you should follow his instructions properly. However, I don't know how she wears it at night or the whole day because it is hard to wear. I would suggest you use any soft recovery collar or any alternate of the cone from here https://ourfitpets.com/health/8-best-alternatives-cone-shame/. Wearing a soft collar for her may be easy. In the same token, you should add a few drops of fresh oils like flax seed oil in her meal. If you are using a spray, then I would recommend you to go with a homemade spray. I usually make itching spray at home by using apple cider vinegar and green tea. The addition of some drop of apple cider vinegar in her food will also give her relief from itching. Proper bathing and use of CDB oil might also be helpful for your dog especially when you want to go with home remedies instead of medications. I also heard about Salt Therapy for itchy dogs, but you will have to consult for your dog about such therapies. Hopefully, she will recover soon and you will share the good news about her with us.
