
Trauma of the skin and irritation in between the foot and leg of your dog can be caused by excessive licking and grooming of the said area. If this behavior is not corrected, he may develop granuloma in the area which is also called “lick granuloma”. This would appear to be a fleshy mass that does not have any hair and would be pinkish. This behavior is a syndrome which as called “acral lick” that is believed by experts to be psychological in nature. Two factors driving the behavior are boredom and stress. The dogs affected by this syndrome will continue chewing and licking the area since this action stimulates the release of happy hormones or endorphins in their brains. The bad news is that this syndrome is difficult to treat. The treatment plan is comprised of certain medications prescribed by a vet, physical activity, and mental stimulation to keep this behavior in check.
If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior, make an appointment with your animal clinic Ashburn, VA. More tips can be found at your Lansdowne Animal Hospital.