[15842]

Looking at the title, I suspect most of you will go straight to allergies but I have reason to believe it isn't and I don't think it is an adolescent male thing either.  If I knew, I probably would be posting the question...
A couple weeks ago, Ringer started licking a bunch in his genital area and I also noticed he has started to get a bit 'excited' in certain circumstances.  I figured he was just enjoying himself and left it at that.  I don't exactly like it when he does it so I say no and give him something else to do.  After that, he plays for a bit and then goes back to licking but then it goes to his inner back legs, then his front legs and paws, then the carpet/sofa/dirt between his paws.  It's really weird.  If he stayed on his body, I would say allergy.  Is he just retarded?

 

[HannaBanana]

Alergy or Yeast.  I think you are feeding the Beneful.  Try to see what happens when you switch,  give it about 3 weeks to kick in.  

The corn maybe doing a number on him.  If the area like paws it smells foul, could be yeast.

 

[15842]

Yeah, I'm switching from the Beneful garbage right now.  I expect it will fix a bunch of things.

 

[tootsie]

Yep I bet switching will fix a bunch and you will also see a great improvement in other areas as well, such as his coat, and less stool!  :wink:

 

[15842]

Yeah, picking up horse terds is starting to hurt my back

 

[15842]

Alergy or Yeast.  I think you are feeding the Beneful.  Try to see what happens when you switch,  give it about 3 weeks to kick in.  

The corn maybe doing a number on him.  If the area like paws it smells foul, could be yeast.

Normally I would agree but he has been eating this food his whole life and he is licking inanimate objects as well as himself.

 

[Kate]

Perhaps a trip to the vet might be in order.  He could have a UTI (urinary tract infection) that's causing him discomfort or a food allergy.  I think I'd rule out the medical problems and then work with Liz on behavioral issues.  Boxer's are known for licking themselves clean much like a cat, and maybe he's just an over-achiever.  Hope you find the answer.

 

[mblogsd]

Willy does the same thing.  I guess I just didn't give it a thought.  He's a dog.  Dogs lick themselves.  If you figure it out, please let me know so I can give it a try.

 

[HannaBanana]

Food alergies can develop even after a year of feeding the same thing.  Its very odd, I know but that is why I try to rotate kibble flavors every 6 months or so.

We were on Canidae until Hanna developed big time alergies.  Were on it a year.   HOlistic vet said it can take up to a year for it to form, so we made the switch.

Hopefully the switch from beneful will lighten up your horse poos and give Ringer no itchies and a great coat