Licking...

[cefe13]

Overall, Castor seems to be quite a happy dog, but he has those periods of almost obsessive licking (front legs and air licking). Usually, it's possible to redirect him, but he starts again after a minute or two. He doesn't do this all the time but a couple of times a day, very intensely.

We don't think it is an allergy issue (he was examined by a dermatologist right before Christmas who ruled out allergy but stated that Castor had a yeast infection) and it really doesn't seem to itch. In other words, the licking seems to be more of a mental than physical issue, but we're not quite sure how to interpret this behaviour.

Any advice? Should we redirect? If so, how? Rattling with a bottle with pennies isn't very pleasant but perhaps necessary? Or should we just try to ignore the licking and instead praise him when he is not licking? I have to admit we find this licking really irritating...

 

[dolphin]

Bulldogs as you know can be very OCD, I'd keep redirecting him like you are and hopefully he'll grow out of it. You're extremely lucky he has no allergies, thats fantastic!

 

[nycbullymama]

hmm.. i have no experience with this. have you tried a favorite toy? sometimes they just want something to lick..

 

[cefe13]

@dolphin I always thought the talk about bulldogs being OCD was just a saying, but perhaps that is indeed what we are seeing here...hopefully, he'll grow out of it as you say.

@nycbullymama yes, that's worth a try! We have tried to redirect him but mostly by trying to interrupt him in order to get his attention, not by giving him a toy.

 

[2BullyMama]

also try a treat, just like you would if it were a head tremor.

can you get it on video and post it?

 

[cefe13]

@2BullyMama
thanks will try treat too and will try to film it - but right now the little man is sleeping peacefully at my feet!

 

[nycbullymama]

For whatever reason I'm not getting any "mentions" but good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[cefe13]

@2BullyMama
Here is a short film clip from late last night. To us, the licking does not at all come across as a neurological issue but rather as an expression of him being annoyed. What do you think?

Castor licking

 

[cefe13]

[MENTION=7457]nycbullymama[/MENTION]
I hope this 'mention' works?! I think I unintentionally managed to include a link in your name!

 

[2BullyMama]

@2BullyMama
Here is a short film clip from late last night. To us, the licking does not at all come across as a neurological issue but rather as an expression of him being annoyed. What do you think?

Castor licking

does seem like he is just bored.... does giving a treat stop it? i tagged Cheryl so she can get a look at the clip too

 

[nycbullymama]

[MENTION=9875]cefe13[/MENTION] worked!

 

[cefe13]

does seem like he is just bored.... does giving a treat stop it? i tagged Cheryl so she can get a look at the clip too

I think you might be right that he might have been a bit bored...and I have now realized that there are several female dogs in heat around here and that probably affects him too. We will try to cheer him up!

 

[2BullyMama]

I think you might be right that he might have been a bit bored...and I have now realized that there are several female dogs in heat around here and that probably affects him too. We will try to cheer him up!

yep... female in heat would definitely driving him a little crazy