My dog bites and licks his to the point where they have become raw. Help me, the vets don't have any ideas

My dog is not obsessive, and when he licks his paws you can tell he is in pain. Our vet doesn't know what it could be, and they can only suggest cortizone cream which doesn't seem like a good idea. We know he is not allergic to his shampoo because it is made for sensitive skin, and before now he has never had this problem. Help us if you can, I will be forever grateful!

My dog bites and licks his to the point where they have become raw. Help me, the vets don't have any ideas
Sometimes when my dog gets a haircut, they cut it too short so his skin is irritated, and he licks constantly. Has your dog gotten a haircut lately? If not, just keep watching him and keep him preoccupied with other things.
Reply:Try some neem dog shampoo. It is wonderful. Some shampoos say they are for sensitive skin but then they put fragrance in them that is irritating to some pets. Try the neem.
Reply:Maybe you'll have to try one of those cone things so that your dog cant reach.
Reply:see if there is any doggie pain reliver and give it to him then try a cone thing on his neck so he wont lick it.
Reply:Have you checked that the dog has no fleas or ticks?
Reply:Put a cone on him, they sell them at petco in a bunch of different sizes. They're like $5-$15.
Reply:my dog this when the fur is too long, when he has a scratch on his paw, and when he has snow in his paw. it could be one of those
Reply:Have you checked for splinters? Or ingrown nails?
Reply:Buy your dog some flavored chew toys. This way, you're dog will have something else to bite. Also, talk to your local veterinarian about pain relievers.
Reply:excessive licking of the paws is usually a sign of allergies. It could be a food, inhaled or topical allergy. Is this a new condition. Have you changed anything you use around the house (laundry products, cleaners or anything at all) have you changes dog food or put anything on the lawn?
Reply:My dog does this only he chews his butt.


Been to the vet ( multiple times)We've tried cortisone - that clears it up but then he does it again before the hair can grow back, antibiotics ( did nothing) It's not fleas and it's not a food allergy as we've already been through that and he's on sensitive biscuits and home cooked meat. It's not any cleaning products either. My vet is edging towards it being a behavioral thing that got out of hand ( as he does get separation anxiety even though he is never actually left alone - It's not like | can take him shopping or to the hospital after all !)Anti-chew spray didn't work and I tried a muzzle but he got a sore on his nose through trying to chew through it. He also broke a cone. I did have some stuff called Dermatect that was something we used on the horses, that seemed to be working but the company doesn't make it anymore.


At the moment I'm using "purple spray" from the tack shop and it does seem to be working, he's not chewing and the hair is trying to grow back ( fingers crossed)
Reply:I would reconsider the food he is on. Low grade fillers, and even some protien sensitivities can cause all of the symptoms you are describing. In the mean time, try bag balm on the wounds. It won't hurt him if he licks it and it will soothe the itching. There are lots of good foods out there, so I would reccomend going to a NON chain store for suggestions. the indeendant stores have far more knowlegable staff than most chain stores, and since they have less turnover, you are more likely to find someone who has actually seen the problem before. Natural Balance, Merrick, Canidae, and Innova all have high success rates with allergy prone dogs.
Reply:I'm thinking either allergy or arthritis? My dog is 11 yrs old, I'm thinking its arthritis. He licks his paws sometimes.
Reply:He maybe allergic to his food. I would find another vet and ask him or her about food allergies.