My guy gets into "lickfest" mode from time to time. I find I can often distract him, or failing that just tell him to quit it. Sometimes I offer my hand and he licks that for awhile. In the fall, I find he is itchy much of the time, which results in more licking, groom biting, and scratching than at other times of the year. If he gets too insistent, I will put an Elizabethan collar on him for a bit, or sometimes just showing him the collar and threatening him with it will get him to cease and desist! 🙂
Scooting and licking tail
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I agree with Zande, also one of my dogs had problems years ago with allergy’s and had his glands expressed a few times with no improvement. If Benadryl helps I would consider it is possibly an allergy. Also contact the rescue where you found the dog as they may have more info or advice on the problem.
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@elbrant I hadn’t thought about it like that, as a habit, or psychological, but that is a possibility. Perhaps if I can continue to comfort her, gain trust, she gets used to her new home, while trying to keep her from her tail, it will improve with time! Same diet.
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@ginnyc if it is a behavior then persistence / stubbornness, consistency and redirection is the key. Never lose patience or get angry, just calm and firm redirection.
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@zande I rec’d her med records going back a few years and don’t see that she had her glands expressed before. So, yes, totally agree not to do it unless necessary. Yes, I meant E collar. I have just always called it a cone. Perhaps I made that name up. Vet suggested it because she is irritating the area and I think the plastic ones look more uncomfortable. We were trying to keep that area from becoming more red and irritated. It could easily be from the change in her surroundings and new life!
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@dagodingo I am being consistent. I posted in case there was something obvious I hadn’t thought of. How could I get angry at that cute face?! Thanks!
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@dagodingo I am also in communication with the rescue. I’m trying every angle.
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@ginnyc I thought at the time it might be boredom with my B as he sometimes does lick himself during the winter when excercise is restricted. We had him on Benadryl and that stopped it, then switched diet. He hasn’t had any problems since. If the Benadryl works it should help if it is a behavior too.
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I just spoke with the rescue/fosters. She didn’t scoot or lick until 4/27, the day before the expression and the glands were full. I wonder if it is possible that the expression wasn’t done properly or carefully. My vet said she was “scabby” inside when he examined her one week after the expression. Or...does she have another issue and full anal glands was a coincidence? Also, they did take her camping right before I adopted her. She chose to lie on the ground even though she had a bed. Perhaps she picked up something from the trip?
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Was she tested for worms or other parasites?
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@falcon No, not yet.
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@ginnyc said in Scooting and licking tail:
@falcon No, not yet.
The rescue didn't run parasite test? Okay well, that's critically needed.
Debra
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@debradownsouth Clarification - Rescue ran fecal test 2/14/2018: NO OVA OR PARASITES SEEN. No new fecal test since this issue appeared is what I meant.
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Unfortunately, a fecal test in Feb could have been too early to catch it... so hopefully the vet will run another test to be sure.
Debra
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@debradownsouth Agreed. We’re trying Vaseline, Benadryl and trying to keep her from licking first and crossing fingers it heals. Fecal test next if no progress. She did seem to not lick as much yesterday with Benadryl so trying that again today. I’m keeping a close eye on her!
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Cone or E-collar - there is a much better, cheaper alternative I have found can be made to fit ANY eventuality and stop a Basenji licking.
Tights. OK, panty-hose. You can use just the leg, or the top bit by the thigh, or the body bit, you can use the legs to tie the 'dressing' on or around - ANY part of the (now discarded by you) garment can be pressed into service. No kidding, you would not believe the wounds, scratches, surgery scars that I have contrived a protection with panty-hose. Light, expendable and the dog doesn't realise it is wearing something.
And I carry Pyriton (sp) with me for use of the doggies. Possibly same effect as Benadryl ??? Also if there is inflammation - junior aspirin can help. even half of one.
Get the vet to check her for parasites and get her wormed, pronto.
Good luck !
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@zande So, on the panty hose, would I stuff a leg with something soft and gently tie it around her neck, like a doughnut? I tried a thick, fluffy scarf yesterday but it didn’t stay on long. So, see, I WAS looking for alternatives. I want her as comfortable as possible!
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Stuffing something soft into it might well do the trick. Using the whole leg and foot, you could locate the stuffing in place inside the stocking by tying a knot each side of it and then using as much of the leg as you need to fix it in place around her. I was thinking more about protecting the area she is attending to. But try anything - poor wee girl !
