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Lick Sores
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Lick sores or lick granulomas can develop in dogs who may constantly lick a particular area (most commonly the lower legs and feet) so much so that it develops into a sore or swelling. Lick granulomas usually develop in response to something that has irritated your dog such as an insect bite, allergies, or entrapped foreign body. Stressful events, boredom, and sudden environmental changes can also cause lick granulomas. Even if the inciting cause or stressful event is long gone, some dogs may continue to lick obsessively at the site. If your dog does not show improvement with basic first aid, it is important to seek veterinary attention as there could be a secondary skin infection and/or underlying medical condition going on.

Symptoms

Steps
1   Muzzle your dog so that he does not try to bite you as you help him
2   If there is any fur around the sore trim it with an electric clipper or blunt scissors
3   Use Betadine and cool water to cleanse the wound and then rinse and pat dry
4   Use Cortaid cream 2-3 times a day to calm the itching and any inflammation until you can see a vet
5   To help with the itching provide 1 mg Benadryl per pound of body weight
6   Place an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) on your pet to discourage your dog from licking at the site. Seek veterinary care if no improvement.
Warnings
Make sure to rinse away all the Betadine or soap off your dog before drying
Make sure to contact your vet the same day to set an appointment to have the lick sore looked at
Seek veterinary attention if the site worsens. Your dog may have a skin infection requiring antibiotics or an underlying medical problem
Tips
If you do not have Betadine you can use regular soap and cool water
If the sore is on the leg you can cover his leg with a sock to prevent him from licking it
Although dogs hate E-collars, it is important to break the licking cycle so your dog’s skin has the chance to heal
If an E-collar is unavailable, you can make your own E-collar with old x-ray film or making a hole in the bottom of a plastic bucket. Make sure the collar is big enough such that he cannot reach the lick granuloma but is still able to eat and drink with ease
It is important to treat and address underlying potential causes of lick granulomas. (E.g. Treatment of fleas, allergies, and behavioral problems).

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