Getting coated in dog slime is not pleasant but to the extremely affectionate and excitable Lexi, anything is fair game for a licking, hands, legs, trousers and especially bare knees. Poor Jane finds herself constantly apologising to house guests who visit and encounter the thorough ‘Lexi Welcome’. She would like Lexi’s licking to stop and for her to relax but it’s been going on for as long as Jane can remember.
When Marc meets Lexi at the Pet Shame Clinic he diagnoses Canine Obsessive Disorder and also a case of wet eczema where she has continually licked her own tummy. Marc wants to approach the issue with re-training Lexi’s responses and using a head halti with a long lead . This should stop her licking at which point she will be distracted with a command and a treat. In addition he also suggests prevention with the use of a collar so she can’t lick her tummy and some cream to be applied to clear up the infected eczema. Finally, Marc also thinks that Lexi and Jane would benefit from seeing a canine behaviourist.
Jane takes Lexi home to start the treatment plan.
PDSA Senior Vet, Sean Wensley, says: “Many pet owners experience difficulty with their pet’s behaviour from time to time, but they shouldn’t feel embarrassed or reluctant about taking them to their vet. The key to solving these problems is finding out the reason for them. In some cases this can be a medical reason, which your vet will first rule out. Pain or liver disease, for example, can both cause changes in behaviour. If a non-medical cause is diagnosed, behavioural techniques are used to modify the pet’s behaviour and the vet may recommend referral to an accredited pet behaviourist. Treatment for problem behaviour requires commitment and patience, but with the right advice the end result is well worth it."
For further information, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/dogbehaviour
