Tail and Foot Chewer

[Cossack]

Hello, I have a five month old Border Collie/Rat Terrier mix that keeps chewing at the base of her tail and her foot. It isnt raw or anything, I just dont know what could be causing this. I have taken her to the vet because of this and the Dr. told me to try bathing her less often, like once a month, as her skin might be too dry from frequent bathing (its definitely not fleas he said) I give her a bath about three weeks currently since she is outside often, running around a lot, at least four or five hours a day. She has an amazing amount of energy and I feel like I have to give her an outlet. If I am gone for the day and cant run her, I can tell she gets stressed out and very anxious. So anyways, being outside often she gets dirty and I'm bathing her often. I'm trying to keep her clean, but she is still chewing her tail, three weeks without a bath. I am wondering if she could possibly have food allergies, I currently feed her Flint River Ranch food, they also make a fish and potato formula for dogs with allergies. Would anybody suggest trying a food for food sensitive dogs to see if that clears it up? Any downside to feeding the food sensitive mix? Has anybody's dog here experienced any of the symptoms that I'm seeing? I appreciate any help, I'm just concerned about the little girl. Thanks.

Mike

[calgal]

This sounds like a clasic case of food allergy. There is some ingredient/s in the flint river ranch that she's allergic to. Go to this site. You will find a world of information on dog food. She know's what she's talking about. http://www.mordanna.com/dogfood/

[Sheltiemama]

My sheltie used to chew her nails as well. I changed her from less than desireable food to Nutro Natural which is made from real lamb and brewers rice instead of corn or wheat gluten. She is doing much better now. She still likes to chase her tail once in a while but it's usually when she has a really bad case of the zoomies.
If you aren't convinced that Nutro is the food of choice for your dog, there are a lot of good dog foods out there that don't contain corn, wheat gluten or barley. Brewers rice is ok as well as potato for filler in a dog food. Good luck

[flyndog]

Stress and anxiousness can be a reason for tail and foot licking. Since you know your dog is stressed and anxious from lack of activity, I would suggest you give something to entertain her and keep her busy while you are gone.
Flint River Ranch also makes a lamb and rice formula. You might want to try that before going on to more "exotic" meat and vegetable combinations. There's a good reason for that, but I don't remember what it is! Maybe somebody can help me out there?
BTW, welcome to GlobalPaw.
Kit

[Cossack]

Thanks for the responses.

Kit, I dont think that its her anxiety causing her to chew on herself as I considered this as a possibility before as well. Even after running all day she still continues to chew on herself and sometimes she will do it while shes sleeping. Its strange as she will only chew on the very base of her tail and her left rear foot, maybe its because those are the easiest places to reach.

I wasnt sure which formula would be best for her as both the lamb mix and the fish/potato are both listed as good for food sensitive dogs. Any suggestions from people who feed flint river on which would be better? I am always looking for the best food I can give my dogs (we also have two shih-tzus). So far flint river has worked out well for me, but I am open to suggestions. Any other premium foods out there that people have had good experiences with? Thanks again

Mike

[flyndog]

I use Flint River Ranch. I've used both original and lamb & rice. You will get a lot of opinions about what other premium foods are best! I use Flint River because it's convenient for me. There's no place with 150 miles that sells premium or super premium dog food.

[Liz]

I don't know if this will be of much help, but if you do suspect food allergies then I would start by just trying a different blend that contains a completely different meat source. Try duck, salmon, or something. I do know of some dogs that are allergic to lamb, so maybe your dog is allergic to the current formula you are giving her.

[Cossack]

Thanks again for the response. I have decided to try either Flint Rivers fish and potato or Innovas lamb and rice which also looked very good. Any recommendations? Will she be missing any type of nutrient after making the switch? Should I no be supplementing her diet with something else after the switch? Thanks

Mike

[PaulaP]

My JRT does the same thing. As a matter of fact I actually asked the forum about this not to long ago. Since then I have put him on benadryl (one a day) our vet recommended, but I am almost leading towards changing his food. I too will be viewing some of the sites our friends have shared.

[flyndog]

Paula, has the Benadryl helped the itchiness?