Expert: Kaza - 4/26/2011

Question
My Bichon Frise is 6 Months old. She is a lovely puppy and is rarely left alone. I take her everywhere with me. She has started chewing the fur off her paws, particularly the front ones and on the top of her back. How can I stop this. I am very worried about her.

Answer
I suggest its a seasonal/hormonal diet inbalance if its only happening now, bathe her in neem oil shampoo http://www.aromacarenaturalproducts.com/Natural-Human-Products/Hair-Products/Nee...
and start an elimination diet in case its down to her food (which often it is ) just coincidence happens as her hormones kick in.
If she is on a dry diet change immediately and use a natural diet instead, start with breakfast of 70g pilchards or any oily fish with ground oatsmeal. Water for drink.
Lunch : Fresh 50g chicken or lamb minced or diced with carrot batons and cucumber. Water to drink
Dinner (no later than 5pm)50g salmon cooked or tuna in sunflower oil with oats carrots grated or spinach wilted or pureed  water to drink.
Bichons dont do very well on a dry diet, supplements you need to use if remaining on this type of dry food. cranberry extract tablets (holland and Barratt) 1 per day  as this helps preevnt stones struvites and crystals (a bichon frise problem) lutein 6mg daily for healthy eyes as in the UK in particular so much inbreeding has taken place eyes are a massive problem. This will help slow down any future cataract or opacity issue that may arise.  Glucosamine and chondratin for healthy bones and joints , toy dogs suffer from patella problems this may help stabilise the joints and stop the patella from being a future source of pain. Dont allow her to jump on her rear legs until she is over 12 months of age , keep her walking on all fours for as long as possible.
Good luck