Dogs that ritualistically scratch and lick
could well be indicating that there is an allergic reaction to the food
they are eating, or to an ingredient in the food. If the body defence
mechanisms are in action, this will in turn trigger off cells, which
release histamine into the body.
In the dog, these cells are located in their greatest numbers on the feet
and the legs, around the ears, eyes and nose, on the root of the tail and
on the chest and abdomen. Frantic licking or scratching in these area’s,
especially shortly after eating a meal, will eventually damage the skin
and leave it open to infection.
Some behaviours of licking and scratching are so extreme that they get to
the point where the dog or cat does not want to sleep. They only want to
do this particular behaviour. It has now been proven according to Andrew
Luescher the director of the Purdue University of animal behaviour that
these compulsive disorders seem linked with genetics, increased release of
endorphins and altered levels of neurotransmitters, particularly serotin
and dopamine, in the brain.
Tail chasing and tail chewing in Bull Terriers, flank sucking in
Doberman’s, hind end licking and sucking in Schnauzers is well reported
many dogs suffer imaginary flies and chase them.
It is important that if you find your animal is scratching or licking
excessively that the first report is made to your vet who will be able to
determine if in fact this is an allergic reaction to food or whether the
behaviour has medical cause. Parasites, skin problems or arthritis could
cause excessive licking; liver disease could also cause unusual behaviour;
and bowel or anal problems could result in hind end checking by your vet.
Some vets now understand the value of a canine behaviourist and often
refer to them to enable a study of the particular behaviour to see if it
is a learned response to the animal’s owner. After physical causes and
learned behaviours are ruled out, a vet or animal behaviourist takes a
detailed history of events to find out what is triggering the behaviour.
Some of the common causes include a new baby or spouse in the family,
moving to a new home, holiday periods like Christmas when the animal gets
less attention, when the kids go off to boarding school. Less attention
paid to the pet or even less exercise, frustration at being left alone in
too small an area or being confined for too long and harsh or inconsistent
punishment. If a pet does not know what to expect from its owners. Then
that is likely to cause conflict.
Many cases where a dog is seen licking itself by its owner and the owner
getting frustrated shouting 'Stop licking' is enough to cause conflict in
the pets mind.
Stress levels should be reduced by maintaining regular schedules like
feeding three times a day at a set time, habitual and increased exercise
and consistent use of commands followed by immediate reward of 'Good dog.'
Sometimes drug therapy is required to correct the animal’s imbalances in
the brain, as it is difficult with behaviour modification alone.
Article by David the Dogman http://www.thedogman.net
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