Expert: Silva Mirovics - 10/25/2007

Question
Hi,
My dog does have allergies, but lately he has been licking his forepaw, and it is getting red and raw, he has been to the vet several times this month to have antibiotics prescribed for infection and also for allergies, although they feel he may have sensitivity to antihistamines as well as steroids, due to reactions he has had to the medications they have prescribed to him. My dog is also now digging at the carpet in our home, and not sure if this could be anxiety, behavioral, or what could possibly be causing it. But when he does the diggin his breathing gets quicker, his eyes seem almost glazed, and when I try to comfort him, sometimes he will back away from me until I hug him, rub his head and ears, and talk with him, he will then seem to calm down. He has never been through any abuse, and I am at a loss on how to help him feel comfortable in our home again. Any suggestions will be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Jennifer

Answer
HI Jen,
My first thoughts are that he needs a detox.  There are many homeopathic or herbal Liver Detox products available for animals.  A liver detox will clear out all the toxins that have built up from the antibiotics, cortisone, steroids etc...  His paw licking could be a result of liver overload.
He would also benefit from some enzymes and probiotics in his diet.  Something like Vital Greens would be great to sprinkle on his food.
He can safely have human grade enzyme and probiotic formulas, given at the children's dosage.  Make sure that what you are giving him is completely natural, and preferably organic.  Do not give him things such as Yakult which contain sugar, or artificial sweetners - these are all very dangerous to dogs.
You may also want to get him some flower essences to treat the behavior aspect of his dazed licking and carpet digging.  
Bach Flower remedies that would help this are Crab Apple and White Chestnut.  These two essences together help with the behavioral aspects of the constant licking, obsessive mannerisms etc...
The Australian Bush Flower remedies in combination of Green Essence, Mulla Mulla and Spinifex would also help with getting the wound and the licking under control.
You should be able to find all these products in a health food store/pharmacy.
If not, we have detox products available on our website for dogs, and we can make up an essence combination that our customers require.
I hope this is useful information in helping you deal with this problem.
With thanks.
Silva.
www.roxysworld.com.au