Dog excessively l*****g our carpets and floors...?

Question

Our dog is about 2 years old and has always licked the average amount of a typical dog, until recently she began l*****g her front leg. She eventually licked the spot on her so much that it left a raw spot. I took her to the vet and they claimed she had a bug bite and this was just her way of scratching it. The vet put her on an anti-biotic and fungus/germ killing topical ointment. Ever since she "got this bug bite" and licked her self raw, she seems to have developed the habit of excessive l*****g of other things now such as our carpets and floors. Other online posts have mentioned giving the dog more attention and giving them more excorise, which I have done both. Also, other posts have mentioned food allergies, but she's eaten the same food she always has before she developed this bad habit. So if it's not a bug bite, not food allergies, not lack of excorise or attention, what could be the reason for her suddenly developing this VERY bad habit?

Answer 1

Don't rule out allergies, as allergies may develop over time, develop suddenly or develop as the result of overexposure to a thing. Also, allergies in animals aren't limited to the food they eat.

There are a number of irritants to dogs, including air spray, perfume, cleaning products (dogs like the taste of some very toxic chemicals - in particular antifreeze, which will kill them).

There is also the possibility this is just a habit, like people biting their fingernails and such.

At any rate, your dog has passed the point where passive measures will correct the problem. It is time to take your pet back to the vet, ask about a steroidal treatment, and put an E-collar on your dog until all her raw spots have cleared up and she no longer attempts to l**k herself or other items. If it is organic, the meds will take care of it. If it is environmental, the "habit" will return. If it is just a habit then the E-collar will break her of it by disrupting her behaviour.

Answer 2

Maybe you should clean the floors.

Answer 3

I don't know. It might be frustration anxiety. I'd do something about it. talk to your vet and let them know something is seriously wrong.

Answer 4

It sounds like a nervous habit.  Our dog gets what is called a "Hot Spot" on his front leg when he is nervous..  It started years ago with a cut on his fore leg that he wouldn't leave alone.  Now when he is upset or nervous he starts on it again.  Our vet says to keep it clean and we wrap it with "Vet Wrap"  He will then pull the vet wrap off instead of l*****g his leg.  Sometimes we give him benadryl (per suggestion of our groomer) if he is very persistent.  As far as the carpet goes, ours does that too, can't help you there.  That is why I clicked on this question, so I could get help also.