Yummy Feet (no pics, Purple!)

[pitbullmamaliz]

Inara (almost 8 months old) likes to chew on her back feet. She's not chewing enough to leave ANY marks (no redness, swelling, cuts, anything), but she seems to chew pretty vigorously. Slowly but steadily gnawing. I know that this is often a sign of food allergies or too much protein. She was kibble-fed for the first, I don't know, 6 months of her life? She's been on raw for almost 2 months. This has been a constant behavior - it didn't start or change (increase/decrease) when we switched to kibble. Any thoughts on this? And she's not just nibbling on the edge - she sticks her entire foot and/or leg in her mouth! I'd be surprised if it's allergies since we did switch to raw, and the raw is much lower protein than kibble, so I would guess it's not those. Should I even be concerned since she's not doing any damage? Thanks for any assistance!

[mnp13]

what would it have to do with "too much protein"?

[pitbullmamaliz]

I'm not sure - I'd read somewhere (god knows where!) that sometimes if dogs are getting too much protein they'll chew their feet? Don't know - maybe 'cause they'll have pent up energy?

[SisMorphine]

I'm not sure - I'd read somewhere (god knows where!) that sometimes if dogs are getting too much protein they'll chew their feet? Don't know - maybe 'cause they'll have pent up energy?

If dogs are getting too much protein they're spastic, they're vicious, they're unable to focus, they're destructive . . . I'd say it's all crap.

If you see nothing visibly wrong with her feet (is she doing any real hard licking, so much so that she's discoloring them?) I would say it could be a behavioral thing or a neurological thing. Wally constantly licks one foot, x-rays have shown nothing. You can see nothing (except for the discoloration) but it is also the leg he will sometimes limp on. It was suggested to me that he could have nerve issues in that leg/foot. So that's why I suggest neurological stuff as a possibility.

[Maryellen]

she could have found out how to lick her foot, so that is new for her, she could be allergic to grass but then it would be all her feet. maybe its a security blanket thing.. or maybe its chicken.. but who knows

[pitbullmamaliz]

So you guys think I shouldn't worry about it unless she starts hurting herself? 'Cause like I said, no cuts, hair loss, chafing, discoloration, NOTHING. Sis - how do I know if it's neurological? And if it is, what do I do? I know she's neurotic, but neurological probs? I'd be devastated!

[SisMorphine]

So you guys think I shouldn't worry about it unless she starts hurting herself? 'Cause like I said, no cuts, hair loss, chafing, discoloration, NOTHING. Sis - how do I know if it's neurological? And if it is, what do I do? I know she's neurotic, but neurological probs? I'd be devastated!

I guess you'd have to have tests done with a neurologist. Mad $$$$ for a veterinary specialist ($200 just for the initial exam at the place I used to work . . . nevermind the testing!). I haven't had Wally checked because it doesn't bother him. Whenever he licks at his foot I tell him to leave it. He hasn't limped in almost 10 months now, and is obviously not in any pain, so I just don't worry about it . . . especially since allergies are the other big option. Keep an eye on it, but I wouldn't worry too much. I am actually going to go get some Nolvasaan solution from the vet's office tomorrow and I'll start washing his foot once a day with it. It's a medicated wash that they use on hot spots and such. Maybe it would help her?

[Purple]

If she can be redirected, you may be able to rule out neurogical problems.
I would focus on allergies. Dexter has been licking and chewing on his feet, especially since spring sprung. We had an allergy blood test done, and voila, he is allergic to EVERYTHING outside, grass, weeds, trees, and everything that goes with said culprits, pollen, seeds and such.
Indoor allergies are dust, mold, and human dander.
Needless to say,we are anxiously awaiting the serum for his shots. In the meantime, we bathe him about every three days, and keep his feet clean. He is also on an antibiotic due to the extent of the feet chewing.

[cheekymunkee]

Munkee chews his feet when his allergies are bothering him, he also creates hot spots. it could be an invironmental allergy, Munkee is allergic to grass. His hot spots are just now calming down from the onset of spring. But, then again, he IS allergic to chicken, even fresh so it may be worth a try to switch her from chicken to turkey or something if it starts to be a problem for her.

[Purple]

PS

I'm ok with dog feet. It's the human feet that skeeve me!

[pitbullmamaliz]

Thanks all - how do they test for allergies? And I'll start paying attention to what she's eaten the day of the gnawing. I just don't know!

[Purple]

Dexter's wasn't his food. It's the grass and anything outdoors.
It's a blood test!

[pitbullmamaliz]

How often is he going to have to get shots?

[Purple]

Once a month, until he builds up a resistance to the allergen, which could be up to 6 months.

[SpiritFngrz]

Maybe she likes corn chips

[Marinepits]

Maybe she likes corn chips

You could test her with Fritos!