excessive grooming

Question
Patty, my Austrailian Shepard has licked a bare spot on her front leg. What can be done to stop this behavior.

Thanks
Jim  

Answer
Hi Jim-

I'm not sure I can answer you question fully, as I don't have a lot to go on, but I'll give you a few different theories and we can go from there.

First off, how old is she and how long have you had her?  If you've just gotten her, she may be doing it as a nervous issue.  That should clear up as she gets more secure with her surroundings.

Another option:  Have you changed anything with her...diet, bedding etc.  If so, she could be allergic to these changes.  Also, if she has a lot of grain in her diet, this may be causing an allergic reaction...by a lot of grain, I'm talking more than 2 different types in her food...and when there is a lot of grain, it's usually within the first few ingredient listings.

Option 3:  Hot spots, again caused by some sort of allergic reaction most of the time.  

Option 4: Has she been anywhere different where she could've contracted any diseases...ringworm, mange etc.?  These infestations give off the same characteristics.  If this is the case, you'll need to get her to a vet so that they can prescribe an antibiotic to clear it up.

Option 5: She may have something in it, such as a sliver that is hard to see and she's trying to get it out.  If this is the case, pull out the sliver and either apply some antibacterial cream to the area or allow her to help mother nature and clean it herself.

If none of these seem to be the cause, I would go for boredom.  You can try wrapping the area or applying a foul tasting product to the area to prevent her from licking. Giving her more attention and/or excercise or toys should help out.

If she's still bothered by it and none of the advise isn't working that I've given you here, get back in touch with me and we'll look into it more.

Good luck-
Patty Lemke
Country-Side Breeders
Denmark, WI