my shih tzu is constantly licking her paws and hind...

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Answer by Jules
Submitted on 12/9/2003
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Our Bichon is also a compulsive licker. He licks his paws and the inside of his back legs. This problem first started this past summer. At that point we took him to our vet who told us that because he's licking all four paws it's likely allergies. She prescribed some allergy medicine and the problem pretty much went away. However, we have since moved back to school with him and he has continued to lick his paws and now his back leg. He went off the allergy medication after the first couple of frosts, as advised by our vet because we assumed the allergies were seasonal. I think now, his licking is simply a bad habit. He isn't getting as much attention as he once did, is alone more, and spends less time outside. He has every dog toy on the market, but still prefers his own paws. We're not really sure what to do now. We are going to try and put baby socks on each paw in hopes that this will break his habit of licking. Our vet recommended this along with that bitter apple spray which we already have tried but it didn't work AT ALL. Anyways, maybe the socks will work for our dog and your dog. It's worth a try.

Answer by Lilly
Submitted on 3/14/2004
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I have a Shih-Tzu and he also suffered from biting his paws raw and itching all the time. This is not just boredom and grooming. Shih-Tzu's tend to suffer from food allergies. I took my dog to the vet and he also got cortisone shots and antibiotics. These offered little or no relief. I also tried feeding all types of premium natural foods to no avail. I finally did my own research and found a natural food by Solid Gold. I use the Hund N Flocken formula mixed with Seameal. In about 2 weeks the itching was relieved and in about a month he has stopped biting his paws. This is an all natural food with no preservatives and has worked wonders. Check out the website www.solidgoldhealth.com. It has worked great and has saved me plenty on vet bills. If you do your research on pet food ingredients, you won't be surprised why animals get sick. I encourage you to give this food a try.

Answer by mittxe
Submitted on 3/17/2006
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I've only got the one shih tzu but I've been fostering dogs for a while and have had 2 other small dogs for longer than that. I find that when my dogs are bored they lick and bite their nails, much like people will twist their hair or bite their nails. It's a kind of nervous habit. Luckily shih tzu puppies (and dogs) can amuse themselves with just about anything and if you give them something different and maybe tricky to use that will occupy them and keep them from the licking and biting themselves you mentioned. By the way, I've found that a simple ice cube on a non-carpeted floor will amuse a shih tzu until it melts and then some. If I will be busy for a little bit I put 5 or so in their water dish and my puppy just goes crazy over them.

Answer by Julie
Submitted on 9/1/2006
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I have a shih tzu. she's six and I've been feeding her solid gold for three years but unfortunately it has not helped with her paw licking problem. she licks and bites her paws constantly. she also scratches frequently especially in the morning. I noticed her oder changing. my boyfriend calls her corn chip because that's what she smelled like when she needed a bath. took her to the vet recently and she was diagnosed with another of skin infection she was given antibiotics and allergy medication. I was told by my vet to start bathing her twice a week and spray her with relief medicated spray in between baths. The relief works but I'm worried about giving her too many baths. In the past I bathed her every 3-4 weeks, with frequent brushing. it seemed sufficient to me. I had always been told that too many baths are bad for a shih tzu'sskin. Is my vet crazy or should I take his advice? Does anybody out there have a shih-tzu with a skin condition who was diagnosed similarly by their vet?

Answer by Julie
Submitted on 9/1/2006
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I have a shih tzu. she's six and I've been feeding her solid gold for three years but unfortunately it has not helped with her paw licking problem. she licks and bites her paws constantly. she also scratches frequently especially in the morning. I noticed her oder changing. my boyfriend calls her corn chip because that's what she smelled like when she needed a bath. took her to the vet recently and she was diagnosed with another of skin infection she was given antibiotics and allergy medication. I was told by my vet to start bathing her twice a week and spray her with relief medicated spray in between baths. The relief works but I'm worried about giving her too many baths. In the past I bathed her every 3-4 weeks, with frequent brushing. it seemed sufficient to me. I had always been told that too many baths are bad for a shih tzu's skin. Is my vet crazy or should I take his advice? Does anybody out there have a shih-tzu with a skin condition who was diagnosed similarly by their vet?

Answer by dawn
Submitted on 2/25/2007
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I have a llaso and just took him to the vet 2 weeks ago. We have been displaced because of Katrina and I am now taking him to a vet that I am not familiar with. His symptoms first begin with the usual eye watering, sneezing and runny nose when he was about 2, he now is 4. Then he started with the skin irritation and biting, his previous vet, whom we are comfortable with, first prescribe benedryl, that worked for a while until the skin biting started, then he prescribed Temaril-P, that works great for the skin problems. Then 3 months ago he started scooting his face along the carpet till he was rubbing the hair and eyelashes off around his eyes. I took him to the vet and had everything about his eyes checked out, they said allergies. I must tell you that my dog already takes amitriptyline(he's a bit aggressive) and must be sedated for anything including when I bath him at home and when he is groomed he has to be totally put under so every vet visit he is sedated so that also causes him further throat irritation. Well this last time his ears were red and burning up, the vet said clean them with hydrogen peroxide, so I did that, well the rubbing on the carpet got worse until he rub so hard he would cry and hurt himself. So back to the vet we went, they sedated him and found no eye, ear, throat, or throat infection, so he was given a steroid injection and script. Well he has also licked and chewed at his paws for a while too but to add he is now licking at his crotch. I swear I don't know what to do for my baby boy, his eyes gunk up, nose runs, sneezes, bites, rubs, and scratches at his skin, paws, ears, eyes, and know his private parts. Thank God he doesn't have his family jewels any longer because he would probably chew them off. And oh did I mention, he is also on a lean diet because he has gastrointestinal colitest and he's only 4. Anything else?

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Question by laney-bird
Submitted on 7/18/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Shih Tzus Breed-FAQ
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my shih tzu is constantly licking her paws and hind quarters.can this be prevented.

Answer by hi
Submitted on 9/9/2003
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I have no clue but my Shih Tzu Teddy does that to

Answer by iluvshihtzus
Submitted on 9/13/2003
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it is probably like other dogs.. cleaning itself!

Answer by Tigerlily
Submitted on 10/10/2003
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Our dog Bates also enjoys a chew around his feet! As long as the skin is not red looking and she is 'flea free' she is probably just grooming. If she has long hair just check the undercoat is not knotted. This can pull on their skin and the knots have to be cut out. Cheers!

Answer by katie bug
Submitted on 12/31/2003
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my dog also does this but she bites to she even does it when she is flea free so i dont know either

Answer by Spike
Submitted on 1/21/2004
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Your dog may be severely bored and needs much more attention from the person your pet has bonded with and looks up to as the alpha leader of the pack.

Answer by Magu
Submitted on 2/17/2004
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I am also experiencing this problem with my 2 year old Shih Tzu. I have noticed that his constant bitting of his paws and rear end begin in the winter season. He actually has bit himself so much that he has a few sores on his lower back. Does anyone have any suggestions. I feel so bad for my little guy. Please advise.

Answer by Mel
Submitted on 3/21/2004
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I just adopted a shih tzu and it has a problem with its skin. The last owner put him outside all day with other dogs so he caught fleas. The adoption center said that I have to give him special food but he doesn't eat it. Instead of moisting it with warm water, I put chicken broth instead. He doesn't eat it either, he just licks the broth. Any suggestions as to what else I can do with his skin?

Answer by Carole (connercb@alverno.edu)
Submitted on 4/8/2004
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I have a cockapoo and he keeps licking his back paw. It seems like the pad is a little raw and pink, but not bleeding. I looked at his other pads and they look a little pink as well. I just figured it was from walks....should I make an appointment with the vet or just use some kind of cream? It doesn't seem too bad, but it is still bothering him. Any help would be great, please e-mail me at connercb@alverno.edu

Answer by intel100
Submitted on 5/1/2004
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hi laney-bird maybe your dog has a skin infection or just plain dry skin. try putting some human skin cream moisturizer or buy the dog kind both work pretty well. if he continues, try putting a bitter orange spray on him but make sure it's not only for the furnature. good luck!!

Answer by stacie
Submitted on 6/30/2004
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I, too have two shih tzus and one of my boys has a seasonal allergy, he constantly is licking his paws and inside is hind legs. I have spent an unbelievable amount of money at our vet...everything from antibiotics, expensive shampoos, weekly oatmeal bats and Prednizone (Steriods)..I'm uncomfortable giving him all these drugs...The only thing that seems to help is baby Benodryl, 1mm...once in the A.M. and once at bedtime..I've tried the change of diet, but he won't eat it...Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer by Annie
Submitted on 7/9/2004
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I have a Shih Tzu that is I believe has seasonal allergies. He is constantly bitting the top of his paws. I have had him on Benodryl, Prednisone and Atarax. No matter what I give him it doesn't work. I have changed his dog food three times, now on a DLD Ultra dog food for allergies. He is not being feed any treats cause I can't tell what his constant bitting is from. Can you help me. My doctor wants him to go to a dog dermatologist but I don't see the point.

Answer by vet1
Submitted on 8/10/2004
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Your dog has an alergy, probably to the grass or to topical applications to the grass. He/she needs to go on a long course of steroids to prevent the itching. This may cause increased urination, but it will prevent the constant licking and will make your dog a happier animal.

Answer by vls3333
Submitted on 10/28/2004
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Is your dog on Frontline? As a holistic healer I find almost all dogs with type of unexplainable problem are on frontline - switch to advantage and see what happens. of all the topicals advantage is the most healthy. I only give it to my sporadically. If a dog is stress free they won't get fleas. It's like bugs on a plant...they only come if the plant is stressed or sick... dogs only get fleas due to stress.

Answer by MITCHELL
Submitted on 11/14/2004
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IT'S MITES, PEOPLE. YOUR DOG GETS IT FROM THE YARD. "WALKING MITES". PEOPLE CAN GET THEM TOO!

Answer by Lexi-Lou
Submitted on 1/14/2005
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My 4 year old Shih Tuz contently licks, bites, and digs all over paws, behind, and legs. It drives me crazy. I am like many of you all...I have changed her food, tried ALL the shampoos...nothing helps. I have been trying children's benadryl and it helps some.

Answer by judie_ann
Submitted on 1/28/2005
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Hi all-- I have a one year old Shih Tzu/Maltese mix. She also licks her paws. After much research, I have discovered that her food needed to be change. The paw licking is usually caused by too much corn in the dog's food. I have switched to Canidae and my dog is much happier... She is even more active. You can see the change. Trust me.. check your dog's food. Feel free to emal me at williamann@excite.com and I will be happy to send you links to websites that discuss how to pick a good food for your dog. :)

Answer by mushuatwell
Submitted on 2/22/2005
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I also have a shih tzu, he is 3 1/2, has developed a licking problem, seems to have gotten worse over time. I have taken him to 2 different vets, one said nothing was wrong, the other said could be dry skin or allergies. I have another appt scheduled for later this week. He licks so much that he has open blisters on the base of his tail and one large one on his tail. He has also become very tender and if you try to stop him from licking he has become extremely tempermental. If anynoe has any suggestions PLEASE HELP my poor dog is suffering.

Answer by agree with spike
Submitted on 7/14/2005
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Your dog may be severely bored and needs much more attention from the person your pet has bonded with and looks up to as the alpha leader of the pack. It seems to stop im from biting himself wheni play with my doggy more or when he is biting or licking himself

Answer by Tom
Submitted on 8/28/2005
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I have a Shih Tzu with problems biting and licking his paws. It started right after he was to the groomer. I took him to my vet and explained to him the situation...he said that the groomers shaved him too close with the clippers causing irritation. He was given a shot of cortizone and then the Vet applied Panalog Cream to the pads. Hope this helps

Answer by Brecht's Mom
Submitted on 11/30/2005
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My friend found a Shih Tzu last week and she gave him to me. He kept scratching himself even though we showered him and he chews at his paws. He did have dry scaly skin which has gotten better after the bath with medicated shampoo. After his shower I put Gold Bond powder and that stops his itching and biting for a little while. Make sure you put it between the paws. Also if you clean the area with Hydrogen peroxide and then put neosporin it stops the itching again for a short while. If anyone else has a suggestion please let me know.

Answer by proff pet stylist
Submitted on 12/19/2005
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as long as vet attention isnt needed, use responsible judgement please, try some "foozie" or a similar product, "sour apple" spray a little on theyre favorite spots and see if that helps. it might get a little messy with theyre long coats but it'll give your babies the hint.

Answer by Stephanie
Submitted on 12/21/2005
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I have 2 shih-tzu's that have severe allergies all year long. Like everyone else, I have tried everything I can get my hands on. The only thing that works is a medicine called Vetalog I have to get from the vet but I recently found out that it isn't good for long term use. I am now on the hunt again for something that works. One thing I found that calms the itching down where it's not so severe is Omega3 Fatty acids. I get them from drsfosterandsmith.com.

Answer by djsherrib
Submitted on 3/4/2006
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Shih Tzu skin problems, my 3yr old has a skin problem. I have to keep her cut short because brushing her she flakes like crazy. I give her (non) hyper alogenic (spelling sorry)dog food. She bites her inside of her legs and her rear end alot and has developed scabs. I wash her with special dog soap. I was wondering if anyone knew if Vitamin E internally would help her skin? I'm thinking it might? thanks for your time. You can email me at galleryofthesoul@hotmail.com thanks very much.

Answer by Elaine in Georgia
Submitted on 3/14/2006
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How much benodryl should I give my puppy that weighs 5 lbs? The vet's receptionist told me to give her the smallest dosage on the label. Is this too much?

Answer by Cyd & Ray Frigo
Submitted on 4/21/2006
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Breeding Shih Tzu's I have found that most of them are allergic to corn in certain foods. They don't need shots or special diets. Just food without CORN. Science Diet is the worst food for these little guys.I wouldn't give mine medicine of any kind because they don't need it.

Answer by gene
Submitted on 5/13/2006
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I use the Hund N Flocken formula mixed with Seameal. We have found that this doesn't do the trick either. Our one shih tzu is still scratching and licking constantly. Our other shih tzu does very little of this and he's eating the same food.

Answer by Linda
Submitted on 5/26/2006
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I will be adopting two Shih Tzu's this weekend and have been told the male who is 6 years old has a skin infection. One of the foster carers has told me to give him 1 evening Primrose oil capsuls each day and a little spinach chopped up very finely into his food. I will let you know how I get on

Answer by angel
Submitted on 8/29/2006
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my 2yr old shih zu also bites his back legs and today I found a sore on his chest and he is constantly licking himself any help would be appreciated

Answer by kim
Submitted on 9/10/2006
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it may have allergies i have two shih-tzus andthey do that .its allergies

Answer by cindy
Submitted on 10/4/2006
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I too have a shih tzu, she has weeping eyes, contantly scratches, bites and licks the inside of her back legs and her paws. The vet said she has allergys. I've given her oatmeal baths, eye drops and benidryl. This helped very little. But now that the weather is changing she seems a little better. This problem drives me crazy and i feel bad for her. Any other suggestions?

Answer by cowgirl
Submitted on 12/11/2006
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My 6 year old shih-tzu does that too so some times i put hot sauce on her feet

Answer by andi
Submitted on 1/7/2007
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I have a Shih Tzu,1 1/2 years old, also....and have tried everything possible for his allergies(I'm not sure even if it is allergies). By process of elimination I've noticed a lot of exercise (walking) daily!!!!!two to three x'sa day really help!!!. From switching foods 4 x's....I now give him Cheerios in the morning w/milk (skim)...and boiled chicken (diced into small pieces) at night for dinner.

Answer by smitty
Submitted on 1/10/2007
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Has anyone considered: 1. The dog shampoo or conditioner 2. Flea Shampoo. Contains the chemical permethrin and many dogs are allergic to this chemical.

Answer by sean silvas
Submitted on 1/28/2007
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My Tootsie has the same problems with licking constantly and with the skin.I sure appreciate ya'llshelp.Ya'llhave given me several different avenues to explore. Thanks Ya'll Sean and Toots