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Dog Questions  Dear Dr. Berg I have a boxer puppy, Tyson, who is 9 months old and now has a sore spot on his front leg that he licks a lot. I try to get him to stop when I'm home, but I know he licks it when I'm gone. It almost looks like there is a lump there. How can I get him to stop licking it? T. M., New Castle Dear T. M., There are many reasons that a dog will lick their paws, and many different treatments depending on what is wrong, so it is important that your veterinarian take a look at it so that proper treatment can be started as soon as possible. One common cause of licking the paws, especially during the spring and summer months, can be an allergy problem. Dogs can be allergic to many different things including pollen, house dust, molds, plastic and food to name just a few. An allergic dog will often lick at his own paws, rub his face, itch at his red ears, and scratch at his skin. Your veterinarian can use blood and skin testing procedures to help determine just what allergies your dog has. You may even be asked to give your dog desensitization injections at home to help with the allergy problem. Other dogs may lick their legs simply because they are bored; new toys, more walks, or new activities may help to keep their mind on things other than licking the leg. Attempting to cover the offending area usually doesn't work and may actually result in increased attention and licking at the area. Application of sprays to make the area taste bad, such items as "Bitter Apple" or "Chewguard", may temporarily slow the licking process, but seldom is successful at totally stopping it. It is important to have the lump checked by your veterinarian because it may be a growth or tumor, even though your dog is relatively young. As an example, a histiocytoma is a type of growth most often seen in young animals, and it often appears as a raised reddened patch of skin and is often found on the legs or feet. Prompt surgical removal is the treatment of choice for this type of growth and will usually eliminate future problems that can result from the growth. I'm sure that a trip to the vet is not ranked very high on your "favorite things to do" list (or your dog's list either), but you need to have the area promptly diagnosed by your veterinarian so that proper treatment can begin right away. Your dog is counting on you to do the right thing and will reward you with thousands of licks and kisses in the days ahead. Back to the Dog Page Home Page | About Us | Our Facility | Dog Info | Cat Info Our Clients | Ask the Pet Dr. | Dr. Berg |  Kids Page  This site built and maintained by  Bob Hairgrove / Budget Web Design - Delaware  Revised 10/24/200  Copyright ANIMAL VETERINARY CENTER, INC.  2001