Canine self-mutilation is a condition that involves a dog biting, licking or chewing on its body to the point of injury. Dogs self-mutilate for a number of reasons, including illness (such as dermatitis or allergies), psychological problems (including separation anxiety or nervousness) and even physical problems like joint disease. Veterinary assistance is recommended to determine the underlying cause and best course of treatment to stop your dog's self-mutilation. Familiarity with the signs of canine self-mutilation helps you to recognize when your dog needs help.
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Excessive Licking
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Dogs who lick their bodies excessively may have a problem. Acral lick dermatitis is one example of a condition that causes a dog to excessively lick the limbs to the point of injury. Excessive licking may lead to ulceration or absesses on the areas that are repetitively licked.
Hair Loss
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Excessive licking, chewing, biting and over-grooming may lead to a dog developing bald patches of fur on areas of the body. Some dogs suck on their legs as if they were nursing until the fur is gone, leaving a bare leg. Dogs who suffer from nervous conditions may also pull out their hair.
Skin Problems
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Skin irritation, such as rashes, sores and lesions is both a sign and a cause of canine self-mutilation. As noted, the self-mutilating behavior often causes dogs to develop sores or other forms of skin irritation. However, the skin irritation itself may also be what made your dog start to repeatedly lick or chew the skin as a way to relieve the discomfort.
Stained Fur
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Look for stained fur, especially on the under coat. Fur may be brown, red or pink-tinged. This is a result of a dog chewing on the body and staining the fur with saliva. Sores developed from chewing may also stain the fur with blood.
Tail Injuries
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Plenty of dogs chase their tails, but not every dog bites the tail once it catches it. Tail biting is a problem that causes injury to the tail and may require partial amputation if the injury is severe enough.
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