HelpingAnimals.com // KP'S DOG BLOG // Things Are Not Always What They Seem

My 9-year-old dog, Rowdy, occasionally gets a spot on the top of one of his paws that he just can’t stop licking (called a “lick granuloma”). I've tried putting colloidal silver or coconut oil on it to keep it from getting infected, then covering it with my thumb and spraying Bitter Apple all around it to keep him from licking it.

This works but only until the bad taste wears off—then he gets right back to work on it again. The first time this happened, it went on for a week or so. Finally, I took him to—of all people—a veterinary chiropractor. (It’s a well-kept secret, but chiropractic is not just for backs and necks.) After his adjustment, Rowdy had no more interest in licking that paw and never touched it again.

The same thing happened to my late husky, Darby. He had a hotspot on his hip that just wouldn’t heal—until, finally, he got a chiropractic adjustment. After that, he never licked that spot again. It makes sense when you think about it: All the nerves in our bodies originate in the spinal column, so if you’ve got a misalignment there, it’s going to affect whatever parts of your body the related nerves serve.

For you Hampton Roads locals, Dr. Paul Rowan is the man to see. His number is 757-417-7730. For everyone else, check out http://www.avcadoctors.com/avcadus.htm to find a veterinary chiropractor.

Filed under: lick granuloma , veterinary chiropractor ,

Comments ( 8 )

Annie :

Thanks for all this information! I appreciate you taking the time to write about dogs...I am a huge dog lover, and my little baby passed away November, 2006. However, he was my brother's dog, so he was already trained very well when I took over his care....Of course I am still mourning over his death-and I can't get another dog right now because I am in an apartment that doesn't allow pets- but I plan to be out in a year- and my first line of business is getting a dog! I just became a member of PETA.org- and if you continue to post about dog training and other tips- I can reference them when I get another dog.

Thanks for the info!

Posted by Annie | September 25, 2007 3:32 PM

Posted on September 25, 2007 15:32

kelly :

Hi! I'm sorry if this is the wrong place. Just wanted to ask if you could do a piece on microchipping?

So many dogs are euthanized needlessly when they could have gotten home again if they had just been microchipped.

Also I have heard word that the labs and universities are scanning animals received from the dealers for microchips, and some stolen dogs have been returned to their people.

Thanks!! LOve your blog!!!

Posted by kelly | September 25, 2007 5:25 PM

Posted on September 25, 2007 17:25

Rachel :

I just stumbled onto your blog when I went to peta.org to check out the new action alerts. I too became a vegetarian very young and have a passion for rescue animals (and dogs in particular). I am also a certified dog trainer and am so glad to see you passing along such helpful, wonderful tips to people about positive reinforcement. These days so many people are resorting to prong and choke collars (or even worse--shock collars). Keep up the good work!

Posted by Rachel | September 26, 2007 9:57 AM

Posted on September 26, 2007 09:57

Periklis :

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Posted by Periklis | October 1, 2007 8:34 AM

Posted on October 1, 2007 08:34

Lefteris :

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Posted by Lefteris | October 2, 2007 1:41 AM

Posted on October 2, 2007 01:41

Epameinondas :

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