High Temps and Hot Pets
May 24th, 2022 by Cherished Companions
Serious summer heat is here and many animals struggle to keep cool because they can’t process heat as effectively as we do. Here’s what you can do to keep your furry friends comfortable this summer.
Temperature climbing? Our Castle Rock vets have great tips on how to keep your dog hydrated and happy.
Because dogs primarily pant rather than sweat, they are much more sensitive to heat than humans are. Cats struggle in the heat, too, and can overheat easily because of their limited capacity to cool off by sweating. Check out our blog Overheated Pets: Tips to Avoid Dehydration and Signs to Watch For.
Other summer safety tips from our Castle Rock vets:
- Never leave your pet in the car on warm, or even sunny, spring and summer days.Even with a window cracked on a 70o day, the interior of your car can reach 100o in as little as 20 minutes.
- Hot asphalt will scorch your pet’s paws. Before you head out for a walk, put your own palm on the pavement—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pooch.
- Do not shave or trim your pet. A pet’s coat is an important part of her natural cooling system, as it protects the skin from the sun.
- Always provide shade and plenty of cool, fresh water when your pup is outside.
- Take extra water with you just for your dog on long summer walks or hikes.
- Provide a cool, well-ventilated space for your pet to rest in. Try wrapping an ice pack in a towel and leaving it in their favorite sleeping spot for a cool and comfy dog or cat nap.
- No air conditioning? You can freeze a water-filled plastic bottle and put it in front of a fan to help keep your pet cool. Just remember that water expands when it freezes, so don’t fill it to the top.
Symptoms of overheating include excessive panting, increased heart rate and drooling, which can quickly advance to seizures, collapse, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, call us immediately at (303) 688-3757.
Related articles
Summertime Safety
May 24th, 2022 by Cherished Companions
Camping with Your Pet? Check Out These Safety Tips from Our Castle Rock Veterinarians!
Are you one of those people who loves traveling and camping with your dog? We think it’s one of the best things about summer! And while heading into the great outdoors with your pup can be a lot of fun, our Castle Rock veterinarians want you to check out these important safety tips.
Sometimes you can prevent accidents and emergencies when camping just by being aware of your surroundings. Watch out for brambly undergrowth, fast-flowing rivers or plants that could be poisonous.
If you are new to Colorado–or new to hiking—here’s a great blog from our Castle Rock veterinarians to get you started: Hiking with Your Dog: How to Keep Your Dog Safe on Colorado Trails.
Thinking of hiking a mountain trail? Did you know canine depth perception is about half as acute as it is in humans? That’s why dogs have been known to fall off trail edges or cliffs when chasing small animals or running ahead on hikes. You may want to keep your dog leashed or at least closely supervised to stay safe!
Our Castle Rock veterinarians have even more great tips for you this summer:
- ID inside and out. Your dog should have a collar and identification tags, but a microchip is a great safety net to have if those get lost. Learn more about microchipping on this blog from our Castle Rock veterinarians: Microchipping Pets: What Every Pet Parent Should Know
- Tick prevention is a must. Colorado doesn’t have nearly as many insects that affect dogs as in other parts of the country. (For example, fleas aren’t as much of an issue in Castle Rock as they are in more humid climates.) But if your dog is forging trails through the woods or grassy areas, your dog may encounter a tick. Check out: How to protect your dog from ticks in Colorado.
- Watch for wildlife. You may never run into wildlife, but it’s best to know what to do if you and your dog encounter a coyote, mountain lion or something else. Colorado Parks & Wildlife has put together some useful tips online: If you encounter a coyote and If you encounter a mountain lion
- Stay on designated paths. While it’s tempting to blaze your own trail when hiking, designated paths are there to keep you and your pets away from hazardous situations. It’s best to walk your dog on a non-extendable lead and please don’t leave your pet tied up at a campsite unsupervised.
- No alcohol for animals! Think your dog might like a beer after a long hike? Booze can dangerously intoxicate your pet and result in a coma or in severe cases, respiratory failure. Fermented hops and ethanol are poisonous to both dogs and cats.
Wherever your adventure takes you, take plenty of breaks in the shade and be sure to have lots of fresh water just for your pet.
It’s a good idea to get in for a check-up with one of our Castle Rock veterinarians before traveling or camping to make sure your pet is current on vaccinations, has parasite protection and is healthy enough to travel. To schedule an appointment, call us at (303) 688-3757.
Related articles
- How to Keep Your Cat Safe Outdoors
- Here’s an Easy, Dog-Friendly Hiking Trail in Castle Rock, Colorado
Cannabis, Cats & Canines
February 10th, 2022 by Cherished Companions
Marijuana is toxic for pets—but what about CBD products?
Our Castle Rock veterinarians regularly get questions about marijuana poisoning and if cannabidiol (CBD) products are safe for pets. Given the changing status and wide availability of these products now, we think it’s important that pet parents know as much as possible about these substances.
Is marijuana toxic for pets? If so, why—and how much is considered poisonous?
Yes, marijuana is toxic for pets, but we don’t know how much must be inhaled or ingested before it becomes toxic. This is primarily due to the presence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the chemical that causes the “high” when you smoke or ingest marijuana. Also, because it is such an unregulated industry with little oversight, products may contain contaminants that can be harmful to pets.
What are the symptoms of marijuana poisoning in pets and how is it treated?
Symptoms of marijuana poisoning usually start to appear within one to three hours and include:
- gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea
- increased or decreased heart rate and temperature
- neurological effects: depressed, disoriented, stumbling, muscle tremors, hyperexcitement or dazed and nonresponsive.
These symptoms typically last an average of 18-24 hours, but the range is anywhere from 30 minutes to three days. Treatment is usually supportive care until the substance runs its course. As alarming as these symptoms may be, most pets recover just fine.
Is there any difference if my pet ingests an edible (like baked goods or candy) or inhales marijuana smoke?
While there is a difference in THC content depending on the product, the real issue stems from how quickly the THC was absorbed. With food, it’s slower than if the THC was inhaled. If your pet ate something with THC in it, what will also be a concern is what kind of food it was, such as chocolate—which is also toxic to pets and means the vet must treat symptoms of poisoning from both.
Smoking has its own dangers because while second-hand marijuana smoke may not have an immediate effect beyond the THC, in the long term it can do a lot of damage to your pet’s health.
I’m seeing and hearing a lot about CBD to help pets with pain and other conditions. What’s the difference between marijuana and CBD?
Usually, when people are talking about marijuana or CBD, they are referring to products, not chemicals—but they come from the same plant. The difference is in how much THC they contain. Marijuana should be classified as 5-35% THC, while CBD is only .3% THC. When people say “marijuana,” they are referring to a marijuana product with THC, which in reality contains CBD as well.
Is CBD safe for pets? Does it really work?
While you may see and hear a lot of anecdotal evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of CBD products, our Castle Rock veterinarians think it’s important for you to know that:
- CBD itself has none of the intoxicating properties of marijuana, but most CBD edibles and oils contain some THC, which is toxic to pets. When various CBD items were tested for THC, 67% of them were mislabeled.
- As of right now, there’s been no long-term testing completed showing how CBD products can affect animals.
- CBD products made for humans should never be used on your pets.
Another major concern is that as we mentioned earlier, these products are not regulated and because of that, contaminants and additives are a danger. Currently, there is testing being done on CBD products for pets and it is possible that in the future they will become a recommended supplement or treatment, but for now, we advise our Cherished Companion clients to avoid them.
A final word: To prevent marijuana poisoning in pets, keep all marijuana and CBD products locked away so your pets cannot access them!
Related article
Don’t wait—Call us at 303-688-3757 or:
Cherished Companions Animal Clinic specializes in the care of cats and dogs. Our goal is to help your pet have as many happy, healthy years with you as possible—and to make your experience at our clinic comfortable and as stress-free as possible.
This article is intended to provide general guidance on issues surrounding pet marijuana poisoning and CBD use. If you live in or around the Castle Rock area and have specific questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 303-688-3757.
© 2022, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic, All Rights Reserved
IT’S YOUR PET’S BIRTHDAY!
April 8th, 2021 by Cherished Companions
Here’s some fun ways to celebrate your four-legged friend’s special day
We know that our clients think of their animal companions as family members—and that means celebrating milestones like birthdays! If you don’t know the exact date your furry friend was born, many families celebrate their pet’s adoption day as their birthday. Either way, we know your pet won’t mind as long as they’re doing something fun with YOU.
Why celebrate your pet’s birthday?
Well, our Castle Rock veterinarians believe in promoting the human-animal bond, and anytime you have the opportunity to include your pet in an activity that you both enjoy, you’ll strengthen that bond.
Family pets who spend a lot of quality time with their people tend to be more responsive and better-behaved companions as well.
So what fun things are there to do with my dog in the Castle Rock area?
Colorado pets are blessed with lots of beautiful outdoor places to play. Our Castle Rock veterinarians have mixed feelings about dog parks, but as long as your pet is current on vaccinations, is well socialized, and you keep your eye on your canine friend, they can be a great experience for you and your pet.
Some of our favorite Castle Rock area dog parks and open spaces include:
- Douglas County Off-Leash Area
- Wiggly Field Dog Park
- Glendale Farm Open Space Trail & Dog Park
- Chatfield State Park Off-Leash Area
Hiking
Of course hiking with dogs in Colorado is an amazing way to observe their special day. Before you head out, however, you’ll want to make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention and that you’re aware of hiking hazards.
Some of the best dog-friendly hikes in our area of Colorado are:
- East Plum Creek Trail
- Meadowlark Trail Loop
- Castlewood Canyon Rimrock Trail Loop
- Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail
- High Line Canal Trail
Dog-Friendly Urban Adventures
Looking for a city setting for your pet’s birthday bash? Now that some businesses are starting to open up post-pandemic, here are some spots where you can shop, dine, and drink with your fido:
Road Trippin’
We know many dogs don’t care where you go as long as there’s a car or truck ride involved—so how about a mini road trip into the country? While we don’t advocate high-speed, windows-down rides on the freeway, a slow meander on a country road to see–and smell–the scenery is great stimulation for dogs. A few fun drives with your dog include:
- Hwy 67 along the South Platte River to Deckers
- Hwy 300/Rampart Range Road
- Hwy 105 to Palmer Lake (where your pet can take a refreshing dip and you can get a delicious scoop at Rock House Ice Cream!)
My pet is older and something of a couch potato. Are there less active things we can do to mark my pet’s birthday?
Our Castle Rock veterinarians love senior pets and if you have one, that is definitely something to celebrate! And while we’re on the subject of seniors, one of the most loving gifts you can give your elder pet is twice-yearly wellness exams. Because pets age faster than we do, disease and illness progress faster as well, and you want to catch health issues early before they become bigger problems.
While many older pets enjoy parks, hikes, and active play, some are more content to chill in their favorite spots at home. But there are more “sedate” things you can do to make them feel special.
- Making homemade cat or dog treats
- A “spa” day of grooming
- Daycare with other pets of similar temperament
- A cool new cat toy
Related article
- How to Keep Your Cat Safe Outdoors
- Here’s an Easy, Dog-Friendly Hiking Trail in Castle Rock, Colorado
Annual exams, vaccinations, parasite protection, and more – call 303-688-3757 or
Cherished Companions Animal Clinic specializes in the care of cats and dogs. Our goal is to help your pet have as many happy, healthy years with you as possible—and to make your experience at our clinic comfortable and as stress-free as possible.
This article is intended to provide general guidance on issues that may cause a cat to have a poor coat. If you live in or around the Castle Rock area and have specific questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 303-688-3757.
© 2021, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic, All Rights Reserved00
Diagnosing Pets: Which Is Better, X-Ray or Ultrasound?
February 9th, 2021 by Cherished Companions
Diagnosing your pet’s condition may require the use of one of these tools—or both
Over the years, our Castle Rock veterinarians have diagnosed thousands of dogs and cats. As veterinary care has advanced, so has the technology used to help animal doctors get a faster and better picture of how to help your pet.
- X-rays use electromagnetic radiation to showcase imaging of the pet’s body structure and highlight objects within.
- Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of your pet’s interior systems. The sound waves bounce back and forth to create the imagery.
Ultrasound and X-ray are valuable options for diagnosing illness and injury in both dogs and cats.
What pet health issues can be best seen and diagnosed with ultrasound?
“Soft tissue” issues in pets, such as those involving the gastrointestinal, heart, and nervous systems, are usually identified with ultrasound, as it essentially shows the vet three-dimensional images of these areas. However, ultrasound doesn’t work well when it comes to respiratory problems in the chest and thorax because the air blocks the soundwaves.
Aside from fractures, what types of conditions can be best seen and diagnosed with X-rays?
X-ray is indeed used frequently for fractures in pets, but it can also reveal lung abnormalities,
congestive heart failure, and foreign bodies in the GI tract—if those foreign bodies are made of hard plastic or metal. That plastic chew toy or spare change your fur friend gobbled up will block radiation, so it will show up clearly on an X-ray.
What would be the reasons for choosing one tool over another? Are there times when both are necessary for a diagnosis?
There are several things that determine which diagnostic tool the vet will use for your pet. Your pet’s symptoms, health, and behavior as well as our veterinarian’s initial observations are all factors.
For health issues that aren’t easily visible injuries, your Castle Rock veterinarian would look for signs pointing to your pet having a foreign body issue, an enlarged heart, heart disease or another problem.
In many cases, there is good reason to use both X-ray and ultrasound to diagnose or to narrow down your pet’s health issue. For example, if it appears to the vet that the pet ingested a foreign object, then an X-ray would likely be done first. But should that veterinary X-ray show an enlarged spleen, then an ultrasound would be used to get a better image of the spleen since it is soft tissue.
Does my pet need to be sedated for ultrasounds and X-rays?
Usually not. Most animals will relax once they are put in the position and realize that that the vet tech and doctor are there to help and not to hurt. We’re experts at making your pet feel comfortable!
That said, there are some exceptions. Very young and active animals or those who are unusually nervous may need a sedative to stay calm. It really just depends on the personality of the pet. Another occasion when sedation might be necessary is when doing hip X-rays, which can be more difficult for pets.
Keep in mind that at Cherished Companions, we have a Comfort First Pledge, so you can rest easy knowing we’ll do everything we can to see that your pet stays as pain- and anxiety-free as possible while in our care.
We’ll also make sure that you’re comfortable, too: our warm, friendly staff is here to answer any questions you may have about your pet’s health and to make getting veterinary services at Cherished Companions a relaxed experience. We even have a play area to keep your kids occupied while you wait!
What does it mean when you say our Castle Rock veterinarian uses “digital” ultrasound and radiography for your pet’s diagnosis?
Back in the day, veterinary X-ray films had to be developed like regular photography film. Today most medical imaging is digital and computerized. The benefits of digital X-rays and ultrasounds include:
- Faster viewing. Basically, the X-ray or ultrasound machine is hooked up to a computer so it can be viewed within seconds. This makes for a quicker diagnosis for your pet, which means treatment can start that much sooner.
- Less stress. In the past if an image wasn’t clear or was inconclusive, there would be long waits or even rescheduling for retakes. With digital, retakes can be done on the same day making it easier on pets, families, and the veterinary staff.
- Easy sharing. When doctors need a specialist to take a look, digital images can simply be emailed.
There are also environmental benefits, given that no physical materials or chemicals are necessary to see and develop the images!
Do veterinarians and veterinary technicians need special training to read ultrasounds and X-rays?
Veterinary technicians don’t usually read X-rays or ultrasounds, and instead are there to assist the doctor by positioning and calming the pet.
Reading veterinary X-rays does require some training, but it’s something that most veterinarians should be comfortable doing. To read ultrasounds, however, doctors do need some special additional education. At Cherished Companions, our Castle Rock veterinarian is a graduate of a two-year veterinary ultrasound certification course, so you know your pet is getting the best medical expertise available!
Related article
If your cat is in pain while eating and you live near Castle Rock, Colorado, reach out to our cat veterinarians at 303-688-3757 or:
Cherished Companions Animal Clinic specializes in the care of cats and dogs. Our goal is to help your pet have as many happy, healthy years with you as possible—and to make your experience at our clinic comfortable and as stress-free as possible.
This article is intended to provide general guidance on issues that may cause a cat to have a poor coat. If you live in or around the Castle Rock area and have specific questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 303-688-3757.
© 2021, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic, All Rights Reserved
Adding a Second Dog to Your Family: Pros and Cons
February 27th, 2020 by Cherished Companions
The more dogs, the merrier, right? Sometimes. 🙂
Each pet family is different, so it’s awesome you’re thinking
through the decision of adding a second dog.
Dr. Melanie has always had two dogs, and she sees A LOT of
multiple dog families.
We asked her to share potential benefits — and
cons — of getting a second dog.
Plus, scroll down for her thoughts on good ages and genders for
a second dog, so you can choose well for your family.
Benefits of getting a second dog
- You can double the fun and silly antics in your home.
- Some dogs LIKE having a companion. If you have a
nervous dog who suffers from separation anxiety, for
example, a second dog in your home may help lower
your first dog’s anxiety. - Younger dogs can become playmates for each other.
- If your first dog is destructive from boredom, you
may be able to redirect your dog’s energy, so the dogs
entertain each other instead. - If you have kids, a second dog can make another good
playmate. - One person can usually still walk two dogs. (Think
about the size and strength you can handle.) - If your dogs are a few years apart, you’ll still have a
furry friend when the other passes away.
Cons of getting a second dog
- Two dogs take more time, even if they’re
entertaining each other. Make sure you have enough
time for one dog before considering a second dog. - Two dogs are a greater expense. Depending on the
size and age of your dogs, you may be doubling your
food, boarding, grooming and veterinary care bills. - Some dogs like to be the only dog. Not every dog
wants a buddy. You may change the dynamic with your
first dog. - If you travel a lot or know you’re going to deploy, it
can be easier (and less expensive) to find care for one
dog rather than two. - If someone in your home has allergies, you’ll need to
look for an allergy-resistant dog.
Alpha personality and gender considerations
when adding a second dog
Dogs consider you their pack.
There are some dogs that have more of an alpha personality
than others. (It could be either a female dog or a male dog.)
Mixing the genders can help if you have a dog with a strong
alpha personality.
In this case, look for a second dog that is the opposite sex and is
more laid back and mellow.
Avoid getting two strong alpha personalities, and always have
them meet in a neutral place, so you can see how they interact.
(If one dog is physically aggressive to the other, this is not good.)
Can dogs of the same gender get along together?
Absolutely.
Our veterinarians have had personal experience mixing two male
dogs and two female dogs together. The dogs have done fine.
The key is to be in tune with each dog’s alpha tendencies.
Age considerations when getting a second dog
Generally speaking, there isn’t a “best age” to get a new dog, but
there are a few age considerations:
- Avoid introducing a puppy if you have a geriatric
dog. (Your dog is 10+ years.) It can be really taxing on
your senior dog. - If you get a younger dog when your dog is 6-8 years
old, this may help keep your older dog acting more
youthful. - If you’re getting two puppies from the same litter,
make sure you spend time separately with each dog, so the
dogs bond with you (and not just to each other).
Otherwise, you may be treated as an outsider.
On that note, ANY TIME you’re getting a second dog, it’s always a good
idea to make sure you’re spending quality time with each dog
separately, so they bond with you.
Related articles:
- Adopting an older dog versus a puppy: Pros and cons
- 5 questions to ask before you adopt a pet in Castle Rock
- Choosing a rescue dog? Be alert for dogs with this behavior
If you’re adopting a rescue dog, ask about our FREE 1st exam for rescue pets within 14 days of adoption.
Call our Castle Rock veterinarians at 303-688-3757 or:
Cherished Companions Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum.
This article is intended to provide general guidance on adding a second dog to your family. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. (If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call: 303-688-3757.)
© 2020, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic, All Rights Reserved
“I Think My Dog Ate Something He Wasn’t Supposed to”
February 13th, 2020 by Cherished Companions
What to do if your dog ate socks, clothes, toys or other inedible objects
If you suspect your dog may have eaten something he (or she) wasn’t supposed to, take heart.
Your dog is in good company!
Our veterinarians have treated dogs that have eaten:
- Socks
- Underwear
- Rope chew toys
- Children’s toys
- A mechanical cat toy (you could see all the metallic moving parts in the X-ray)
- Plastic
- Feminine hygiene products
- A hearing aid
- Jewelry
- A corncob
- Chicken bones
- Mulch and rocks (especially those around the BBQ grill)
- A ball of twine
- Decorative grass
- Clothing, including shirts and pants
- Children’s clothing
- A bottle of gorilla glue
- A glass light bulb (it passed all the way through the dog’s system without breaking!)
Basically, anything you think that a dog could eat, he can eat.
How to know if your dog ate something
Your dog may be:
- Vomiting
- Not eating
- Acting lethargic
- Stretching his butt in the air and staying in that pose (he may be trying to get pressure off his belly)
- Stretching a lot
- Grunting like a pig or moaning (it likely hurts when your dog moves)
- Retching (but he may be unable to throw up)
Also, looks for remnants of what your dog may have eaten.
For example, if you get home from work and find a partially chewed up toy (but you can’t find the rest of it), get your dog in for an X-ray.
Suspect your dog ate something? If you live near Castle Rock, CO, call our veterinarians at 303-688-3757.
“What should I do?”
The big thing is to be observant.
If you notice ANY of the behaviors above, get your dog checked by our veterinarians ASAP.
Some objects aren’t a big deal
Just because your dog ate something, this doesn’t mean your dog has to have surgery to get it out.
But it’s helpful to know what’s going on, so you can watch your dog and make sure he’s acting normal.
Some objects are small enough that they’re likely to pass. (It usually takes a couple of days.)
Other objects CAN be a big deal — or can become a big deal
If we fear the object could cause damage or it’s too big for your dog to throw up, we’ll try to catch the object while it’s still in the stomach.
It’s easier to go in and remove the object from the stomach than from the intestinal tract.
Things tend to become a bigger problem in the intestinal tract.
If the foreign object gets stuck, it can get expensive if you have to remove it.
It helps to get an X-ray to see what’s going on
If you think your dog ate something and he still seems to be feeling okay, it helps to get a proactive X-ray.
There are things we can give your dog to help him pass the object.
But it’s important to see what you’re dealing with.
“Should I make my dog vomit?”
Do not make your dog vomit without consulting with a veterinarian first.
Typically, the only time we’ll consider making your dog throw up is when your dog has eaten something toxic, like a high dose of chocolate.
But even then, it can be better to leach it out of your dog’s system (for example, if your dog licked bleach).
If you suspect your dog ate something and you live near Castle Rock, Colorado, our veterinarians are here to help you. Call 303-688-3757 or:
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Cherished Companions Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum.
This article is intended to provide general guidance if you think your dog ate something he wasn’t supposed to. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. (If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call: 303-688-3757.)
© 2020, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic, All Rights Reserved
“My Dog Keeps Licking His Paws” — Possible Reasons Why
January 16th, 2020 by Cherished Companions
So, your dog keeps licking one paw or chewing all four paws.
What’s going on?
Dogs tend to lick painful or itchy areas, so your dog is trying to tell you something.
Here are common reasons that Colorado dogs lick and chew at their paws, how to hone in on what may be going on, and how to stop the licking.
If your dog keeps licking ONE paw only…
Your dog may have a:
- Foxtail seed or a little foreign object stuck in the skin (like a rock, seed, piece of mulch, snowball or ice)
- Paw wound, like a cut
- Infection: The areas between your dog’s toes can get moist, particularly if he’s been licking his foot. An infection will add to the itchiness and irritation.
- Arthritis: Does your dog seem to be licking one spot over a joint?
- Tumor: Your dog’s age and the location he keeps licking will guide us here.
- A nervous, obsessive-compulsive behavior: While this can happen, it’s usually the last thing we consider. We’ll start with looking for signs of the issues above.
It’s possible your dog may have allergies too. Though, usually your dog will lick all four paws with allergies.
If your dog keeps licking ALL FOUR paws and won’t stop…
We’re going to be suspicious of dog allergies.
What to do if your dog is licking his paws
Look at your dog’s paws for something obvious:
- A foreign object (like a grass seed, snowball or little rock wedged between the toes)
- A wound (you’ll usually see blood)
- A red, inflamed area
- A bump
- Or anything abnormal (swelling, discharge, etc.)
If your dog’s paws are really furry (hello, doodles!), you may need to use your hands to feel for issues.
When your dog is dealing with a foreign object, you may be able to help get it out carefully.
If you observe a limp or your dog’s other behavior seems off, contact our veterinarians quickly.
Your dog may be dealing with a bigger issue.
If the licking persists or the signs above are getting worse…
Reach out to our Castle Rock veterinarians at 303-688-3757.
Some issues — like foxtail seeds — are much better to address sooner rather than later.
How do I get my dog to stop licking or chewing his paws?
You can put a cone around your dog’s head to keep your dog from licking.
This can help minimize infection, and it may help your dog settle down to sleep.
Just keep in mind that you’re addressing the symptom of what’s going on, rather than the core issue.
In cases of a paw wound, you can put a sock over the paw.
This will stop some dogs from licking… but for other dogs, this may encourage them to lick even more!
It depends on your dog.
Don’t give your dog any pain medication or allergy meds without talking to a veterinarian first.
Ultimately, the remedy for the core issue really depends on what’s going on.
Related articles:
- Foxtail seeds in Colorado dogs: How to protect your pup
- Symptoms of allergies in dogs
- Does my dog have allergies?
- Dog paw injury? How to care for the wound
If you live in the Castle Rock area and your dog is licking or chewing his paw(s), we’re here to help you.
Reach out at 303-688-3757 or:
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Cherished Companions Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum.
This article is intended to provide general guidance on possible reasons your dog keeps licking his paws. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. (If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call: 303-688-3757.)
© 2019, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic, All Rights Reserved
“Help! I Think My Dog Has a Broken Tooth”
November 5th, 2019 by Cherished Companions
Something doesn’t look right in your dog’s mouth…
You think you see a broken dog tooth.
Or maybe, you’re noticing strange symptoms in your dog.
For example, your “never pass up a meal” Golden Retriever isn’t eating like normal. Or, you see blood on your Yorkie’s favorite stuffie.
You’re smart to look for information!
What Is the Best Diet for Dogs? 5 Things to Consider
July 9th, 2019 by Cherished Companions
The best diet for dogs is a healthy diet, but…
It can be really hard to figure out what a healthy diet is!
There’s a lot of confusing advertising about what your dog should be eating.