My dog has worsening GI issues, belly pain, and licks paws. What to do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, this could be secondary to dietary indiscretion from changing his diet though this could also be something else. If it is just from changing his diet then this should stop very shortly. However, if this is due to something else such as pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, among other possibilities then this is unlikely to resolve and a veterinary evaluation would be indicated for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You have a good list of differentials, & all are plausible explanations for Oscar's behavior & symptoms. If this is a relatively new situation, then my first thought might be a food allergy has developed. It is not wise just to go out & purchase different foods. To do a food allergy trial you need a targeted food that requires a prescription from your veterinarian. He might want to try a round of antibiotics & stomach protectants first ( dogs can develop ulcers or bacterial overgrowths ). If you do want to try something at home first, you can purchase a probiotic called FortiFlora at most pet stores or on line. Feed 1 packet a day for 30 days & see if this helps. If no response in a couple of weeks, please consult your veterinarian. Hope Oscar is feeling better soon. Take care.

Hi there. What you are describing is suspicious of allergies. While I always recommend that my clients get a skin scrape first to make sure there are no mites, etc, if this is negative we begin the journey to diagnosing the possible allergens. Many dogs have flea allergies. If your pet is up to date on a good flea preventative, this is not as likely. Commonly, dogs can develop food allergies over time as well. The worst part of checking for this is that a true food trial (a new specialized diet) has to be the ONLY thing you feed and can take a few months to see real resorts. Allergy medications are available now through your veterinarian's office. Depending on what they see on physical exam, your pet might be. Candidate for Apoquel or chtopoint injections to control itching. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately, I can’t give great advice because I don’t know the underlying cause. If it is allergies, she will need to get on some allergy medication. If it is related to arthritis pain, then obviously she will need pain medication to stop the licking. If it is anxiety related, then anxiety medication is needed. The vomiting is concerning and may or may not be related to the licking. Long story short, I’d recommend taking Dahlia in to vet to help determine the underlying cause and get started on the right treatment. In the mean time, you can apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream as long as you also have Dahlia wear an E-collar at all times. Best wishes to you and Dahlia.