Compulsive Licking And Anti-anxiety Medication

[kwirky]

Hi,

My beautiful boy (Golden retriever, Hunter, 11-yrs old) has always had an obsessive licking problem which used to be seasonal, but due to a pulled muscle in his back (which needed much veterinary testing-poor boy), became an all the time thing.

I took him to the vet yesterday as he had a nasty (and quick) infection on his leg and although I was treating as I always do, I thought it better to be safe than sorry.

After consultation with the vet we decided to put him on an anti-anxiety (human kind) tablet (sorry forgot the name) which is faster acting that the canine ones.

So he is on antibiotics and the happy pills at the moment, and wearing a bucket so he cannot get to that or any other leg.

I was looking online re the anti-anxiety tablets and the main theme I could gather was that in addition to the tablets, he should also have behaviour modification.

So to my question. Does anyone have any experience with behaviour modification when it comes to severe licking?

Distraction works when we are home, but what about when he is alone or at night when we are asleep?

On recommendation of the vet a while ago, we are looking into getting a puppy for him, which we are hoping to have arranged by Christmas (a breeder has 2 girls which are pregnant at the moment so the timing would be great), with the view of it being a positive for Hunter.

Any help would be appreaciated.

[persephone]

Hi Your boy sounds as if he has a loving family to care for him . Hope the infection settles soon!

Instead of a bucket..perhaps get a properly fitted one of the plastic basket muzzles ?If worn when you are around, it means he can see properly, and interact with everyone more comfortably I LOVE mine- just have the one, bought about 6 years ago, and used on several of our dogs after surgery, with wounds, etc.When the correct one is found, dog can pant /open mouth wide/drink from a deep container (and you can poke treats thru the holes )

On recommendation of the vet a while ago, we are looking into getting a puppy for him,

Hmmm... Don't know your old boy, or what he is like with other dogs , or his activity level/routine, however my thoughts are that often older dogs do not enjoy having their routine/space invaded by a bouncy puppy :D If your dog was much younger, Having a playmate could be great - but I'm not sure about inflicting a bouncing. demanding pup on an older dog...

[poodlefan]

I hope you're getting a female GR Kwirky - far less chance of conflict between them.

[kwirky]

Yes, we are looking at a girl.

[Everythings Shiny]

My mother has a dog who is a licky compulsive on his back leg, he only does it when no one is paying him any attention - our vet doesn't think behaviour modifying drugs would do anything to help him, but they may in your case.