Nervous chewing?

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Our gorgeous dog (mostly collie) has been scratching a lot and chewing her hind legs on the fleshy bits, so much she's pulled fur out. We've flea-treated her so it isn't that.

Could it be a nervous habit, like we bite our nails? OH noticed it started after we had to throw out one of her favourite toys (stuffed fox destroyed beyond all hope of repair!).

HBS x

Also - some of you may remember when she ate the cupcakes...she also ate a half a tub of butter she knocked off the bench the other day *sigh*

krlyr

It can be a stress behaviour but it can also be signs of an allergy. Tough to pinpoint but I would make a list of new things that could be triggering a reaction - any new food or treats you've been giving her (could be, for example, the butter if it started since then), any new washing powders, cleaning products, a new dog bed, new bedding of your own if she sleeps up there, a different walking route (could be allergy to certain plants/grasses) and so on.

Also, what flea product did you use? Could it be that it wasn't effective, have you checked through her coat for any signs of fleas?

antw23uk

I would have her checked over by the vet but dont let them talk you into everything and anything treatments as some do!

What kind of working does she do? How often is she walked, where, what do you do with her on the walks?

She could be anxious about something in the house, a bad behaviour, possibly bored! Sadly many collies are owned by people who dont know what they are doing and the dogs go stir crazy (Im not saying you are one of them as i dont know you)

Have you changed her food recently or introduced a new chemical to the house which could be giving her the reaction?

chris_n_tj

Could be harvest mites on her feet. They are transfered to other parts of the body when they scratch.
Try washing her feet in bicab of soda diluted in warm water.

Of course a Vet visit would be the way to go, but the above is worth a try in the meantime xx

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Update - thanks everyone

Haven't changed any household products for a long time. Gave her a good bath and washed her feet in bicarb. She loves being bathed so this did help even if it is nerves and a good brush afterwards.

Still no joy really.

Called the vet, who asked if she'd drawn blood or was causing herself any damage - no she isn't. Her normal behaviour is just that - normal - she's eating well, happy to be walked, chases her ball etc. Vet said to bring her in if we spot a rash or damaged skin.

We're going to try and find a replacement for her stuffed toy at the weekend and see what happens!

HBS x

samuela66

Sorry to hijack your thread, didnt want to start a new one with the same prob!!

My gorgeous Lola B has started scratching in the same spot quite a lot, and also nibbling the same spot, she has been flead and wormed, I have a cat who is flead also, have checked her over cant see anything, a little pink where she is nibbling.
We go for great big walks in the cemetery every day, she loves it, but there are lots of rabbits and squirrels which she chases around could it be this, also I caught her with a rabbit that was half dead about 5 days ago, but she was chewing before that, had her about 5 weeks now, like some people say about the vet they try and tlak you into stuff, would it be worth trying a bit of anti histamine like someoone on here said!!!

thanks
sam