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Licking (Bitter Apple?)
by Marilyn
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
When we get our Hannibal out of his cage in the morning, his feet and face are soaking wet from licking. We put toys in his cage with him, but he still does it. I read about Bitter Apple Spray. We would like to try it. Where do you get it?
DISCUSSION:
Marilyn: I have seen recommendations on this forum for Bitter Apple, but I would not use it for this purpose. I suggest trying to determine the cause of the licking, instead. This licking activity is very often a sign of an allergic reaction. Try changing your pup's food. If you feed kibble, the Innova Co. makes an excellent product which includes a lamb & rice formula ("California Natural") with very few ingredients and no added preservatives or other chemicals. Look in the archives of this web site for loads of information on this topic. Good Luck!
JoanG
I can't reccomened Bitter Apple. Msot of the time it terrible mats their coat and if you don't was it out often they begin to smell like urine. his coat turned yellow, too. Trust me, I've tried the protect on my Maltesie. I'm not sure what else you can do, and it might have been just the brand I used. I think the kind I had was Grinnick's.
Karen&Clover
Hi Marilyn, it sounds like your furbaby may have allergies. Bitterapple is a great product but not for use directly on our little ones - its use is for say furniture, shoes anything you don't want your little one to bite but not on their skin or fur. They sell it at most Petshops like Petsmart. You should have your Vet take a look at Hannibal to see just what the problem could be. Good Luck!
Robin D.
I must disagree with all of you. I used the Bitter Apple spray on Noah's paws for licking and it worked fine. It says that it can be sprayed directly on the dog. It washes out, easily. The staining is from the constant moisture. While I believe that the constant licking can be caused by allergy, this is not always the case. It would not hurt for Marilyn to try it. There are two formulas: one for use on the dog, and one for use on furniture, etc. It is perfectly safe as long as one does not spray it in the eyes. If it doesn't work, then I definitely would suspect an allergy.
April B
Marilyn and Hannibal thank you all for your kind advice on the licking. It's wonderful to receive answers so promptly. Thanks again.
Marilyn
Marilyn: Not to belabor a point, but I just thought of something else. Has you dog received any vaccinations lately? This could also be the cause of the licking. If you know of any holistic/homeopathic vets, they can provide a remedy.
JoanG
I agree with April. My Bianca had a problem with constant licking of her back foot. The vet found nothing wrong-no allergies, etc... I used the bitter apple and she never licks that paw anymore. Good Luck:)
Angel
Quite often the licking starts innocently enough but then becomes a bad habit that the little rug rats have a hard time breaking. The bitter apple products can possibly help by breaking the licking cycle. Something started it....boredom, stress, allergies, or whatever. If the Bitter Apple doesn't help, think about allergies....especially food ones. Or chemicals in the yard, house, Advantage (etc) products......
anneh
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