CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Behaviour & Training => Topic started by: Gordon on December 09, 2012, 07:28:06 PM
-
Can anyone offer their advice please, it all started 3 weeks ago, my young cocker of 8 months is now into a routine of constant nose to the floor sniffing, same route time after time and licking the kitchen floor or carpets. My springer has never done this.
When I let him outside for the toilet on or off the lead he does the same, when I ask /tell him to stop he carries on even faster than before, in the house one evening from 6pm until midnight yes 6 hours he was circling the lounge sniffing around the skirting, taking no notice to his name or anything else for that matter, same routine :huh:
He was at the vets last week because of a allergic reaction, the vet thinks it was chew deterrant on the small carpet in the kitchen which we have thrown away, all the floor has been cleaned with boiling water.
The vet has passed him as being okay after the reaction.
-
Just a possibility, any likelihood of wildlife in your house? Morgan does this when the cats have brought a mouse in ph34r
-
That was my thought.
-
no vermin, only wife and kids :luv:
-
I found this Dog's Today question and answer about obsessive licking in the house http://dogstodaythinktank.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/why-does-bertie-lick-carpet.html. It might give you some more things to consider.
As it's only your Cocker that does it and not your Springer it sounds like something specific to your Cocker. Did your vet suggest doing any tests when he saw your puppy and diagnosed an allergic reaction to the chew deterrent? I'm just wondering if it could be connected to a medical or neurological condition that can be tested for?
I hope you can find a solution soon :blink:
-
I found this Dog's Today question and answer about obsessive licking in the house http://dogstodaythinktank.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/why-does-bertie-lick-carpet.html. It might give you some more things to consider.
As it's only your Cocker that does it and not your Springer it sounds like something specific to your Cocker. Did your vet suggest doing any tests when he saw your puppy and diagnosed an allergic reaction to the chew deterrent? I'm just wondering if it could be connected to a medical or neurological condition that can be tested for?
I hope you can find a solution soon :blink:
I have read the link which I found interesting, the cocker is from working lines and he runs about all day with the springer, cannot get my head around this constant sniffing he never seems to switch off apart from when asleep, why suddenly start this ?
-
Bella usually licks the floor constantly when she has an upset stomach! Usually followed by a big belch or vomit.
Has vet checked bloods is he deficient in anything?
Out of interest some children eat dust when they are deficient in iron.
-
Kalami,
Thanks for the advice, will mention that to the vet.
-
We have the cleanest Kitchen floor in the Midlands, we have renamed him Dyson ;) Joking apart not very good really.
Most of you will have read the thread and things seemed to be okay with his nose and top lip swelling etc, but he will still lick every square inch of the floor, which is making his nose and top lip red raw again as well as circling the lawn, living room etc, nose to the ground.He has lost 1.25kg in 9 days because of his constant regime, he was okay until 3 weeks ago when he had a runny nose and sneezing, all this has happened since the running nose and sneezing stopped but after I sprayed the carpet with Anti chew deterrant, >:( which could be coincidence !
Back to the vets again, cream for the nose and lip and we have now been referred to The Willows at Solihull the neurology dept.
Rang them this morning Wednesday 12/12/12 and he is booked in for Monday 09-45 I have been told not to feed him after 8pm the Sunday evening but he can have water, don't know what to think at the moment poor little chap isn't even 1yr old yet. :luv:
-
At least he is being referred, they are more specialised and will hopefully have a better idea of what is going on! Good luck :)
-
PLEASE take this with a pinch of salt - I did a google search, it might be a whole load of rubbish but equally it might be somethign useful?!
Considerations
Consider the context. If this is a brand new behaviour, chances are there is a medical cause. Dogs who are nauseated will often lick the floor, walls or simply lick at the air. Licking like this is a common symptom of nausea and stomach upset. If anything has changed with her drinking or eating habits, or if her feces has changed consistency, she probably needs a vet visit. A sore tooth or infected gum can also make a dog lick in an effort to relieve discomfort.
Consider her age. Senior dogs can have cognitive dysfunction that causes them to act uncharacteristically or form new behaviors. Teething puppies may also lick the floor or rub their faces, because teething can be painful.
Consider her personality. Dogs can have psychological problems and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), just like people. Licking the floor or licking their feet or flanks can be a mild form of OCD. It can also be brought on by stress, anxiety or boredom. If something has changed in her environment--a new baby, new pet or move--licking may be a stress-relieving behavior.
Medical Causes
Rule out medical causes first. It would not be fair to punish a dog for something she's doing because she is distressed or unwell. Take a fresh fecal sample to your veterinarian as well. Bacterial overload and parasites can cause stomach upset. She may need nothing more than a simple worming, and your vet can tell a lot from her stool. Have your vet also check her teeth and gums.
Your vet may suggest a blood panel. This is a simple diagnostic tool that can identify many things like kidney and liver functioning, nutritional deficiencies and even some cancers. It is especially important for senior dogs. If she is healthy but your vet suspects cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), ask about an Anipryl prescription to help keep her calm and focused.
Stress and Boredom
Some dogs are naturally anxious or easily stressed. Others are very hyperactive and without enough exercise and training can become chronically under-stimulated. Floor licking is a common self-calming behavior. Both types of dogs may benefit from more exercise and training. Consider doggie day care once or twice a week. Hire a dog walker, if you don't have time. For dogs left alone, their stress and boredom can be relieved by safe dog chews or interactive dog toys like the Kong (see Resources.)
-
Maybe I've misunderstood your latest post Gordon, but are you saying that your Cocker had a runny nose and sneezing and when that stopped the licking and sniffing started? If so, has your vet done the obvious and had a really good check of nose and mouth in case there's something that caused the runny nose and sneezing and has now progressed to other symptoms?
I hope it all goes well with the referral on Monday and you get some answers and a solution :bigarmhug:
-
It must be very distressing for you all, possibly still got some irritation going on. Would it be possible to crate him for short periods, at least that will rest. His weight loss is a concern.
I really hope you get an answer soon.
Just a thought has the vet checked for a foreign body?
-
It must be very distressing for you all, possibly still got some irritation going on. Would it be possible to crate him for short periods, at least that will rest. His weight loss is a concern.
I really hope you get an answer soon.
Just a thought has the vet checked for a foreign body?
Have to say that was my thought too. Especially if he had an episode of runny nose/sneezing before the anti chew spray was used. The spray may be a red herring? I agree that trying a crate to help him rest is worth considering.
Really sorry I don't have any useful advice. It must be so frustrating for you all. I really hope the specialists can get to the bottom of things.
-
Our last cocker Mollie used to have major floor licking episodes - not so much while young, but as she got older. Mollie had quite a few issues and, in her case, we thought the floor licking was her being OC or that she was using it to reduce stress, as she did become more and more stressed as she got older. One of the replies in the Dogs Today blog says the licking produces endorphins so this would corroborrate our theory.
However, your floor licker sounds like a totally different kettle of fish. I hope you can get to the bottom of it quickly. Best of luck and let us know what the vet says.
Diane
-
Do hope you get an answer on Monday, must be worrying
My cocker Murphy was a licker, we still have a back door frame that is worn into a hollow in one place where he used to lick, and when I got bread out to make sandwiches he always started licking the brick wall in the utility room, very odd.
-
Thanks everyone for your kind words and advice, which has all been taken on board. Henry is crated at the moment which gives everyone some rest.I now take him out on the lead but he still wants to sniff around all the time, the vet has given him a thorough checkover and referred me to The Willows. No obstructions that we can see or feel but the x rays will show any problem, fingers crossed. He eats and drinks normal but he is loosing the weight faster than he puts it on with this constant regime.
Will keep you all posted whatever the outcome :luv:
-
Thinking of you, I will be very interested to know what is going on. Just out of interest what flooring have you got? And does he lick anywhere else ( I guess all cocker sniff whilst out). Good luck.
-
In answer to your question ceramic tiled floor, but he does this in every room on carpet, wood and outdoors.
It's the same at my mothers house and it wasn't a gradual thing it happened over night like flicking a switch.
Monday cannot come fast enough, I really want to get to the bottom of this
-
Just wondered if he's lost his sense of smell following his allergic reaction. I know dogs will lick at a scent if they're trying to smell it better. Does he ever actually pick up a scent eg if you hid a treat can he sniff it out? I dunno just trying to come up with suggestions really x
-
Just wondered if he's lost his sense of smell following his allergic reaction. I know dogs will lick at a scent if they're trying to smell it better. Does he ever actually pick up a scent eg if you hid a treat can he sniff it out? I dunno just trying to come up with suggestions really x
That was one of our thoughts, he can still find a hidden biscuit or his training dummy, not sure about his sense of smell though, to watch a young pup change overnight is heartbreaking.
-
Just wanted to wish you and the little man good luck for appt tomorrow, i really hope it's helpful and that it's the beginning of his recovery x
-
Good luck for tomorrow I hope you get some answers, will be thinking about you. Let us know.
-
Good luck for tomorrow. You must be very worried at the change in his behaviour. Keeping my fingers crossed for a happy outcome. :luv:
-
Good luck for tomorrow...I do hope you get some answers x
-
Thinking of you all for tomorrow.
-
Best wishes for tomorrow.
-
Good luck tomorrow. I hope you get some answers.
-
Will be thinking of you tomorrow . Hoping you get some answers.
-
Hope tomorrow goes well and your little man is on the road to recovery
-
Sending positive thoughts & wishes for the answers you need from your appointment tomorrow :luv:
really hope they can find the cause of this for poor Henry & soon have him back to his usual happy self :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
will be thinking of you
Lindsey & the gang :-*
-
Keep checking back for news
-
Keep checking back for news
Me too
-
And me!
-
any news
-
Just read through all this thread. I hope they managed to find a reason for this and that it wasn't too serious :-* :-*
-
Really hoping to hear some news about this little chap. Hope all is well x
-
Really hoping to hear some news about this little chap. Hope all is well x
here also ....thinking of you all Gordon :bigarmhug:
-
Well according to the advice given from the Willows they don't think it is neurological, more a behavioural problem.
Thank goodness.
Will be contacting Nick Jones from Bewdley in the New Year, has anyone on the Forum had any dealings with him.
A big THANK YOU for all your messages of support and advice.
Thank you :luv:
-
That's good news,
-
Great news, so pleased there seems to be no medical issues
-
Well according to the advice given from the Willows they don't think it is neurological, more a behavioural problem.
Thank goodness.
Will be contacting Nick Jones from Bewdley in the New Year, has anyone on the Forum had any dealings with him.
A big THANK YOU for all your messages of support and advice.
Thank you :luv:
A couple of things struck me on his website (including the name of his business!) as there are references to asserting yourself as 'pack leader' and 'top dog' which are all part of out dated dominance theories. If I were you I would check for a trainer via the APDT site http://www.apdt.co.uk/ (http://www.apdt.co.uk/)
-
Am so glad for you both that it appears not to be a neurological problem - must be a huge relief to know that! Hope something can now be done to help him over his fixation. Good luck.
-
I would recommend Sarah Heath who is a vet behaviour specalist
http://www.behavioural-referrals.co.uk/
-
I would recommend Sarah Heath who is a vet behaviour specalist
http://www.behavioural-referrals.co.uk/
She is on my list, ;)
-
So pleased that it was not something neurological
-
So relieved to here it wasn't anything neurological but guess it must still be a great worry for you as to why he is showing such a behaviour :-\
Paws crossed you find the right person to help you get to the bottom of things ....can't go far wrong with the recommendations from peeps on here.... they know their stuff ;) :luv:
would love to know how things work out & will keep an eye out for updates in the future
good luck :bigarmhug:
Lindsey x
-
Wouldn't go anywhere near Nick Jones Personally from what i have seen of him, the other recommendations are much better :D
-
fingers crossed that Sarah (or some other nice ADPT specialist) can help you .. poor little boy :luv:
-
So pleased you have posted have bene thinking about you both and hope you little will be himself again soon