Acral Lick Dermatitis In Dogs
In some cases, dogs lick themselves so often and intensely that they cause acral lick dermatitis.
In this article we will tell you how to treat acral lick dermatitis.
What is acral lick dermatitis?
Also known as acral furunculosis or lick granuloma, this is a chronic disease caused in most cases by the dog, which does not stop licking a specific body part. This does not allow to completely heal the wound, which gets worse and worse.
Typically, acral dermatitis is initially a bacterial or fungal infection, allergy, cut, or rash caused by an insect bite. In some cases it is due to boredom or behavioral problems of the dog, which insistently licks a particular area, especially the front paws.
When this wound bothers him, he tries to heal himself and lick himself through saliva. But the problem is that this behavior becomes compulsive and even harmful to his health.
The cycle seems to have no end, as the animal feels relief from licking itself, but later does this again when it feels itching, pain or other symptoms. This repetitive behavior turns into acral lick dermatitis, more severe than the original.
Although any dog can suffer from this problem when it is highly stressed, (which is why it is very common in kennels and shelters) there are some breeds that are more likely to suffer from it. Among these, the Labrador, the German Shepherd, the Neapolitan Mastiff, the Golden Retriever, the Dobermann, the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff stand out.
How to identify acral lick dermatitis?
This pathology is not difficult to spot, as you will see the dog licking itself continuously or biting a specific area of the body. On the other hand, wounds, hair loss, ulcers, inflammation, sores, bleeding or the production of a yellowish liquid appear at this point. They can also have a nauseating smell and an ugly appearance.
It is very important to take the animal to the vet so that he can make an adequate diagnosis. Sometimes, at first glance it can look like acral lick dermatitis when in reality it is a parasite infection or trauma.
If the practitioner confirms the disease, the next step will be to identify the cause that produced it. This way you can treat and cure. He will first give him an antibiotic to reduce the symptoms that lead the dog to lick or bite and thus allow healing. Topical creams or treatments can also be applied.
In order for the animal not to bite, it will be put on an Elizabethan collar, even if the area can be blindfolded and supervised by the owner. Changing the gauze or bandage will be a commitment, but it must be done with the periodicity indicated by the veterinarian.
When acral lick dermatitis appears to be caused by the dog itself, it is recommended that the owner take him for a walk several times, play with him more and pay him more attention. In this way, he will be less anxious and stressed and will not have harmful behaviors for his body.
A healthy and peaceful environment is essential for recovery and to prevent the picture from returning. If the dermatitis has been produced by the presence of parasites and bacteria, strengthening vaccines and ensuring good dog hygiene will be essential.
Keep in mind that acral lick dermatitis is not serious if it is detected and treated in time, but the most important thing is that it does not recur in the future. For this reason, determining the causes is fundamental, more than the treatment itself.
