frequent licking/newly appearing black spots

Question
Hi,  we have a 9 month old purebred boxer.  She is small for the breed, weighing in at her last vet appt at 46. She is white on her neck and stomach.  In the last month or so, we have noticed a few black spots underneath as well as what seems to be a black outline around the border of where the white begins.  Our vet told us that she looks healthy and that it doesn't seem to be a nutritional deficiency.  The other thing that has been happening for several months is that she licks everything!  Not as much herself, but furniture, carpet, pillows.  We were told it could be that she is just "that kind of dog."  Do you have any input on the skin changes or the licking?  We are at a loss...

Answer
Hi Jillian,
Thanks for your questions about your boxer. The black spots you see starting to appear under the white areas of hair are normal. The boxer does not carry the gene for albinism and is much like the dalmatian in the spotting factor. This is just the pigment starting to show through. In albinos no pigment is present. If you notice any lumps or bumps then you should be concerned and have them checked.

The licking problem sounds like compulsive behavior. There are several ways to go about changing this behavior. The following are all ways that have worked to change compulsive behavior in canines.

1. A change in diet for a 2 week - 4 week trial may be helpful. If your feeding a high protein or high performance feed then change to a brand with lower protein and for less active dogs. You could also opt for a more homemade diet. This section may be helpful for choosing more holistic dog foods and diets : http://www.hitowerboxers.com/boxerfood.htm . If you begin feeding holistic as I do then I do recommend a vitamin supplement. You'll be able to find the information on the link as well.

2.Provide daily aerobic exercise (running)not just a stroll around the block but something like Frisbee, throwing a tennis ball,etc. A tired dog is a good dog and may help burn off the excess energy most boxers have. It is recommended at least two 30 minute walks a day too.

3.Get your boxer many different interactive dog toys, like Kong Chew toys and fill them with cheese, peanut butter or freeze them in the freezer for great hot weather treats. Have different toys to rotate out so the boxer doesn't get tired of the same one.The idea is to stimulate the dog as much as possible. You can find an array of interactive dog toys, diversify. Boxers get bored very easy so you need to provide alot of attention, training and exercise to keep them happy and stress free. Usually the compulsive behavior is caused by lack of stimuli in the environment.

4. Start or continue daily 5-15 minute one word command training like sit,stay,down and come and praise alot when the boxer gets it right and ignore her when she doesn't.Clicker training works well with boxers.

5. Another tip is not to acknowledge your boxer when you catch them in the act of this licking behavior,as you may be reinforcing the behavior without realizing it.

6.Spay or neuter may help. If the hormones are out of balance this could play a role in this behavior,especially a female boxer about to come into heat.

7.If all the above steps don't work then you may also opt to contact a Veterinarian Behaviorist and check into some medication
therapy as this is now a option in the canine behavior field, altho most vets don't specialize in this field. So opting to find a veterinarian college near you could be the best way to find a specialist in this field.

Keep in mind that the techniques used above are not going to fix this problem overnite but you should see improvement in six weeks.

I hope this information has been helpful to you. Please let me know what methods you try and what has worked. I'd like to add the information to my boxer behavior journal. Please feel free to contact me for additional assistance or information.

Sincerely,
Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
http://www.hitowerboxers.com/caninebehaviorconsultant.htm