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Question
My dog is a lasha aphso. He is 11 eleven years old. He has had a bit of a licking habit. However last week he had fourteen teeth removed. Since he is licking the floor, sofa, wall and his paws excessively. He has regular exercise and a consistent routine. I have not reason to think he is worried or anxious. It does not bother me that he does this but I guess I am a little concerned it bothers him or that he will make himself unwell. Your advice will be much appreciated.
Licking can be a real problem with some dogs. Sometimes it is idiopathic, in other words, no one knows the cause.
Licking can be a issue with pain (arthritis in the legs is an example) boredom, bad diet.
Apparently his teeth haven't had any care in a while or he wouldn't have lost so many. So pain in the mouth can be a reason that they lick.
Did you talk to your vet about his licking when you picked him up from his dental work? You might want to get some pain medication for him and see if that helps with the licking. If it does, then you will know that you are dealing with some pain, probably arthritis in his legs.
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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