time for the cone?

Poor Zoe. Her allergies are still bad. I've been giving her the Zyrtec, but only when she starts to itch. Lately, she's been chomping on her back foot and last night I stopped her right as it started to bleed. This morning she was at it again. woke me up as I sprung out of bed to get her foot out of her mouth. more blood. I do not want to make her wear the cone of shame. any other suggestions?

Poor peanut...

I had to do this recently with Knuckles, I am glad we have a cone on hand.

I feel bad at first putting it on, but he doesn't seem to mind at all.

this is a dumb question..but I'll ask anyway: have you called your vet?



When Angel's allergies were out of control, and the benadryl/OTC stuff wasn't helping, we went with Temaril P. It's a combination of a light steroid and antihistamine/anti-inflammatory. It worked wonders for her.



Just thinking it may be time to ask for something stronger for her allergies.



There's also the possibility that it's now a reflex for her to chew her back foot. If that's the case, the cone of shame may be your only option. Or bitter apple, but if it's raw, I'd be afraid that would sting...

TxAllieGrl wrote:this is a dumb question..but I'll ask anyway: have you called your vet?

we've gone back and forth on it. she was on benedryl first and then zyrtec. I've tried changing her diet and that didn't help. (just to make sure it wasn't food related) allergies are so frustrating!

When Angel's allergies were out of control, and the benadryl/OTC stuff wasn't helping, we went with Temaril P. It's a combination of a light steroid and antihistamine/anti-inflammatory. It worked wonders for her.

Just thinking it may be time to ask for something stronger for her allergies.

could be!

There's also the possibility that it's now a reflex for her to chew her back foot. If that's the case, the cone of shame may be your only option. Or bitter apple, but if it's raw, I'd be afraid that would sting...

I sure hope that's not it!

I have found that with some dogs, the licking / chewing is very much a habit after a while. It can take some training to stop it. And, the cone may work. Or, you could try those blowup things. They look like a life preserver. I had one for a foster and it worked for him.

The allergies could be a combination of food and environment. And, those sores can be a pain in the butt to heal. What are you putting on her foot? I suggest a powder, you have to get it from your vet, called neopredef. It works very well. And, put a sock or something similar on that foot. As long as it is still sore and not healing, she will keep going for it.

Good luck! And, if you've been back and forth with your vet, I would recommend maybe a second opinion with either another regular vet or a dermatologist vet if one is in your area.

Everything has been covered already in the way of further treatments and options, so I'm just gonna say I hope you find a fix!

I think someone needs to invent a cone-type divice that will keep pugs from licking their feet, bellies, etc AND will act as a cooling divice at the same time. How brilliant would that be?

Renee wrote:if you've been back and forth with your vet, I would recommend maybe a second opinion with either another regular vet or a dermatologist vet if one is in your area.

I didn't mean that in a sense that we didn't agree. I meant that we keep trying different things and I'm getting frustrated is all.



I will ask about the powder and see if I can get her a baby sock. not sure how to keep it on! went to Petco today and they have comfy cones, but they're heavy padded cones. the plastic one would be lighter. it's so warm, tho, I really don't want to put anything on her if I can help it.

It can be a real challenge trying to figure out what the triggers are.

I have no clue what the cost of tests are, I wish I did it with Mavis years ago, she was more digestive issues from food.

Knuckles is the one that gets the rashes, he had what you are describing, rash like, swollen paw and then he licks, and doesn't stop and then chewing. I noticed the rash under the pit area too, we had brutal heat and I think it makes it worse for them.



I hope you can find some relief for her, maybe get the plastic cone but monitor it, when you are away, keep the cone on her, when you are around you can police the licking and chewing more



Good luck Mel ! Not good timing considering your upcoming trip

she'll be staying with my mom at my sister's house. my brother in law works from home so they'll both be able to keep an eye on her.

Mel, a second opinion doesn't have to be just because you disagree with your vet or not. It has to do with getting as much information as possible. Sometimes, a fresh new look from a different vet will provide different answers or ideas. I am a firm believer in second opinions. And, if my regular vet had a problem with it, they would not be my vet any longer. Just sayin.

I know you said you've changed food, but just out of curiosity what have you tried?

I love the neopredef powder stuff! It works great for the feet! I use it on Bella when she gets OCD about her feet. It's got a numbing agent in it too and it helps them be able to leave it alone for it to heal!

I got some ointment at Petco. it's got pain relief and I'm only putting it on her when I know she'll be still for awhile and watching her and letting it sink in so she doesn't lick.



Now that I think of it, I did reintroduce a few treats back into her diet. I didn't think they were the culprit of earlier itchies, but now I think they are. ugh. I just hate throwing any kind of food away!



she didn't chew on it last night, so far so good.

Have they scraped her skin? Make sure they get between her toes. Nell's issue is yeast and while she thankfully just periodically flares rather than having a constant issue, when the yeast builds up, she gnaws her feet like crazy. We keep the meds on hand and when she starts to itch, it only takes about 3 days of meds to give her relief (I know sounds odd but true) then she's usually good for a few months. This was, of course, after years of trial and error with foods, meds, etc. Hope you can get it figured out. I know it can be maddening.

I hope she's doing better, Mel!

Can you give the extra food to someone else--or the rescue?