Lick problem. How often will get you worried?

[tony_hk]

I left my 7-month old puppy home when I go to work for 9 hours. I put it in a fenced area and I use a webcam to monitoring him. I found that sometimes he licked his front feet, 3-4 times a day, each last for 1-2mins. I do not see any problem on his feet yet. Should I worry about that??

I already put some new toys in his cage everyday. But he seldom plays when he is alone. He could slept for 8 hours when alone :yikes: :yikes:

 

[RawhideChews]

I think everything is fine with your lovely puppy! As long as nothing seems to be wrong with his feet, they don't disturb him and he doesn't lick them too much, this sounds quite normal. He has pretty long hair I can see on the photo, so it's quite possible that he got something stuck on his feet and tried to get rid of it. We experienced the same with Maggie, she trod on a small piece of scotch tape somewhere and licked her foot for a while before we discovered it.
It's also nothing special that he is not very interested in playing toys when he is alone. He wants your attention and company! So please give him that when you are back from work!
_______________________________________________
Bone Buddies rawhide dog bones and chews

 

[hbwright]

My female doberman had a horrible licking problem often causing granulomas. This started when she was hit by a car and had to have surgical correction on her front leg and just seemed to occur in times of stress (fireworks, nearby heavy construction vehicles). She would lick it almost constantly to the point where she required e-collars and valium. If it is just for a few minutes a few times a day I don't see a problem with it. If you notice it is becoming more consistant then I would see it necessary to see a vet or behavior specialist.

 

[SummerRiot]

Sometimes, licking of the front feet can be a sign of allergies, or an allergic dermatitis.
Other times its a habit, or a case of bordom. Can you put interactive toys in with your pup at all?

 

[tony_hk]

Sometimes, licking of the front feet can be a sign of allergies, or an allergic dermatitis.
Other times its a habit, or a case of bordom. Can you put interactive toys in with your pup at all?

Tks all for the reply. What do you mean by interactive toys? I was using a Kong but he destroyed it in one month (he is a toy poodle ). I am planning to buy the black one for him.

Actually the problem is far from serious but I am just scared by the photos in this link
http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/lick.html

 

[SummerRiot]

An interactive toy is something that keeps him busy for a long time. Ex would be one of those treat balls, but treats of different sizes into it so its NOT easy to get the treats out. Another would be a kong with say peanut butter into it.
Interactive toys stimulates the brain as well as the dogs physical side.

 

[zoe08]

Zoe licks her feet all the time. But I think she just likes to lick period. She just licks her feet when she doesnt have someone willing to let her lick them for hours on end. If you come in my house with bare toes or legs, you cannot escape Zoe's tongue, and she can sit there for hours. Course my brother-in-law sits and holds his hand down so she can lick it while he is watching tv or on the computer or whatever.