Dog Licking Floor – Inhaled Allergens

Hi Kath,
What a beautiful girl. Gracie does not look like she is that old, or has had such a serious illness and treatment.

Frequent licking of the feet, especially the tops of the feet, will indicate a problem due to inhaled allergens. Usually, from pollens, grasses, trees, molds, etc. I am not sure how to explain her licking the floor or her bed, unless it is just a 'continuation' from licking of her feet, and since she is laying in her bed or on the floor, she just licks beside her foot onto the floor or bed.

I do hope the brain tumor/treatment has not caused any neuro deficits, indicating that she is not aware of what she is doing. I do not think that is the case, since you mentioned that when she is not at home, she does not do it any more. That would agree with the diagnosis of an inhaled allergy to something in your house or yard.

In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, the diagnosis is made with an exam of the patient, including the color of the tongue, and feeling of the pulses. For allergic problems, it is usually due to what is termed, 'External Wind' and Chinese herbs and sometimes acupuncture is used for treatment. Diet is also adjusted, depending on if the diagnosis indicates the patient is hot or cold, deficient or has excess 'Qi'(Chi).

You mentioned that you are going to a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, is this a veterinarian? I would suggest finding a local holistic veterinarian that also practices acupuncture dog treatment, to continue Gracie's treatment.

Keep up your excellent care of Gracie!
And please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,

Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

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DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
Dog Skin Conditions,
Dog Itchy Skin,
Dog Skin Rash,
Dog Skin Allergies,
Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (inlcuding itchy skin and mange) Section
Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Allergies Section

I'm very glad your dog is doing better. I to have a very similar problem my 7yr old male dachshund has started licking the floor the couch and the bed. He will lick the sheets until they are wet are he falls asleep. He just started this a month ago. We had him fixed about 6-8 months ago. He gained lots of weight after that and has become very lazy. He does not like to do anything but lay around and now lick the floor. He does not lick his paws or any part of his body.I do not understand why this is happening. I'm just very worried.

Hi there,

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I happy to see my crazy Dachshund is not the only one licking the floor, blankets and anything soft. Tootsie recently broke out in a rash that started out on her belly legs and then within her armpits and fur. This licking has all started since the rash which the vet thinks is enviormental allergy related.

Thanks for everyone's post... I no longer think Tootsie is losing her mind. She has had this for a month now and now it has black scabby areas. She is still on steroids and benadryl.