My dog wont stop licking her forearm and elbows

Question
My 12 year old golden retriever has recently been excessively licking her forearms and her "elbows." It really annoys me and my dad says she is just cleaning herself which I know isn't true. Sometimes, she licks at night and it wakes me up and I can't go back to sleep. She has plenty of toys to chew on and I don't know how to get her to stop. Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Annie!

While licking is part of a pet's normal grooming behavior,too much can lead to hair loss,infection or skin damage.It can be a nightmare situation.
  Pets get into licking cycles for a variety of reasons.Some have allergies.Others are merely upset-because of a recent move,fore example,or because there's another pet in the household.Here are some tips to help your ept dry out.

Keep a "lick diary."It's difficult even for vets to diagnose specific allergies.To help your vet get to the root of the problem,start keeping track of your pet's licking-when it began,what's happening at the  time,how long it lasts and whether other pets in the family are affected.The more you can tell your vet about the problem,the more likely it is that he'll find a solution.

Lights,camera-lick!Since your pet probably won't lick on command in the veterinarian's office,it's a good idea to make a videotape showing her in the act.This will help the vet figure out what is wrong.

Look for culinary culprits.Pets that are allergic to certain foods may get skin irritation and turn to licking.Try putting ypur pet on a different food-one that contains none of the ingredients in her usual chow-then notice if the licking stops.

Keep her honest.You'll never find out if your pet has food allergies if she's wandering the neighbrhood and mooching from neighbors.In some cases a neighbor may be feeding your pet,or the dog is eating the cat's food.You need strict contol to determine food allergies.

Try an OTC.Pet stores sell topical anti-licking ointments that taste so bad that pets soon learn to keep their tongues where they belong.Vets reccomend an ointment that tastes like bitter apple,although other flavors may be equally effective.

Get her paws moving.Some pets get into licking because they don't have anything else to do.Taking your pet out for regular workouts will channel her energy in a healthier direction.Vets recommend taking a 20-minute walk twice a day.

                 When To See The Vet
Some licking is normal,but occasionally pets will lick themselves so virorously and for such a long time that they damage the unferlying tissue.The resulting sores are called lick granulomas,and they can lead to serious infections.
  If your pet is licking a lot and her skin seems red and sore,call the vet right away.

               Breaking the Lick Cycle
Kids suck their thumbs,and more than one adult has been known to nibble a thumbnail.But who would have thought pets' lives are sufficiently nerve-racking to bring on a bout of paw-licking?
  Pets that are bored,anxious or depressed will occasionally start licking one or more of their feet,not just for a minute or two but for hours at a time.The constant exposure to moisture can result in fungal infections or even tissue damage-sores that vets call lick granulomas.
  To break the lick cycle and give paws a chance to dry,vets sometimes recommend using an Elizabethan coolar-a carboard or plastic device that slips over your pet's head and prevents her from licking.Tghe collars are available from veterinarians and pet stores.Or you can try applying a repellent to the paw to make it less appetizing.One popular chocie is bitter apple spray.
  When home remedies don't seem to help,you should see your vet.There is a variety of training techniques that can help keep your pet dry.They're even using things like Prozac to control licking.

I hope this has been helpful and I wish you the best of luck!Please keep me posted and give that Golden Retriever millions of kisses for me!Sending wagging tails your way!
Nicole