I'm glad to hear that you don't chew your butt lol Have heard foot licking can be a dog's way or getting attention or showing they are bored.
Dogs are much smarter than humans. My dogs have me well-trained = ) And they do know when we're hurting and give us a lot of comfort. Our cats are like that too - they just know when their people need them - and we don't even have to lick our feet to let them know what we need.
Maybe the shih tzu and lhasa apso feel that they are "second" to the big dogs. The shih tzu does have some kind of allergy or something because he has finished his meds but still licks his feet. The lhasa apso, not so much. We are taking Rawhide, the shih tzu back to the vet and I'll ask about attention and boredom making him chew and lick his feet.
Oh yeah...my boys will chew their feet when they seem to want attention because they know with the allergies they get attention w/ meds /sprays etc.. from Momma or they also chew them when they are anxious with the storms as both have storm anxiety too, along w/ other anxieties. My basset will chew at his hot spot place also on his tail/butt when it's storming. just an anxiety thing, anxiety just like their Momma........but I don't chew my butt.......or feet....LOL......I just have 25 or so other symptoms....lol.....
I'm telling you, being home with my boys since they were young almost 24/7 because of my anxieties/health issues I don't go out much, they pick right up on it. They feed off of our emotions and know when we're just "not right", and it makes them anxious too.....my basset also has slow digestion....just like Momma....Now we all share 2 of the same meds w/ using the xanax for them too w/ the storms when they are really bad. I always was working when I had my first "pack" of dogs, they loved me sure, but these 2 are so in tune with me and stick to me like glue. Where Momma goes, they go. When my best friend comes down for a visit she and her husband can't believe they stay in the room w/ me if I'm still sleeping and they are up earlier. My other dogs would always go and hang with who ever was up first. Not these guys, not even with my husband, they go out, get a treat, but come right back in to me. I do love it though : )
When I'm feeling/doing better so are they.....it really tells you something. I can't stand people who think/say dogs are just dogs....can't think, feel, etc......that's ********. They are sooooooo much smarter than us, so in tune with us, know before I do that I'm going to have a bad anxiety day. I'm much more comfortable with them then people. Dogs,...... animals in general don't judge or make fun or say " Oh just get over it".....
Take care, Teresa ; )
Thank you for the responses. I'm beginning to think these two small dogs are manipulating me - the shih tzu does have allergies - but I've seen some behaviors that seem to me to be manipulative - a way to get more treats. Still taking the lhasa apso to the vet but IMHO he is trying to control me.
We have a similar problem. One of the Dobes licks his feet and scratches constantly; none of the others do.
Some simply are more susceptible to allergies, I suppose. Just like people!
Hey! How you been? Haven't seen you around much lately......
Well, dogs are just like people...some are allergic to certain things other not.
I really can't/shouldn't be typing much.....having flare ups in my hands. But if you use the search box here for allergy related posts or go to my profile and look thru my past posts you may find some useful info on what you can use.
Just had my beagle allergy tested a few months ago. He's allergic to everything!! Even cats !!, LOL....
just found out he has a vertebral disc disease (genetic) and he can't have too much activity right now so we've been hanging out together and I've been on the boards a bit too much typing and I'm paying for it now....
Anyway, I'll catch up w/ you later. What is the spray the vet gave you??
Take care, Teresa ; )