obsessive cleaning

[sicknote1641]

Ive just rescued a 12/18 month old male through rottie rescue. Everything is fine except he seems to be obsessed with cleaning himself. The problem is that his fur is starting to thin around certain areas. however under his front legs (i suppose its his arm pits) the skin is red raw. Any suggestions?

[brunie's mom]

This may be caused by a few different things.
It could be OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), it relieves stress for him and makes him feel good. You should up his exercise and get him really tired (if this is the cause).

It also could be food allergies or food sensitivities. What are you feeding the dog? Often food containing corn, wheat , soya or by-products cause this reaction.

You could also try a shampoo with an oatmeal base...may relieve the need to stop the licking.

It could also be mites that are causing him to lick.

Has he been seen by a vet? If not take him in and have him seen.

Gina

[sicknote1641]

Yeah ive taken him to the vet. The vet changed his food from the dry food he was on to another one. He wont eat it tho. He's underweight so im a bit worried that him not eating will stress him out more and may worsen the condition. I'm going to change vets because i just dont think that this one is making an effort to establish what the problem is

[HerculesMomma]

What are you feeding the dog?

[JeanT]

Contact the rescue from which you got him. They should be able to give some help, too.

What are you feeding him?

Are you certain that he has not been in contact with any irritating chemicals such as pesticides, laundry soap, floor cleaning products?

[sicknote1641]

Im not exactly sure what its called. It was recommended for its balance in helping him put some healthy weight back on. Im now having to mix it with cooked meats and tinned food as its the only way i can get him to eat. Ive kept him away from anything that could be an irritant to his skin and it seems to be improving. I have since changed vets due to the fact that the last one was useless. Im starting to think that it may have been due to him being run down (i suppose in the same way a human could be) an therefore effecting his skin and coat in certain areas. ive also had to revert back to a chain and lead for the time being. Although his harness wasnt irritating the specific area it was however drawing attention to underneath him. He would then have a quick clean where the harness had been and remember about the other areas and feel the need to clean again