Dog licking paws and won't stop...

[Nudibranch]

He was admitted to the veterinary hospital a couple of weeks ago with haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (his second episode, with no known cause). Anyway this time when he came out his legs were like pincushions from all the injections, drips, etc. Puffy, swollen, scabby. The vet said they would soon clear up.

A couple of days later, while I was out at work he basically attacked them and licked and chewed them raw. Back to the vet - he came home with a buster collar and the next day, being unable to reach his front legs, started on the back ones instead (he's a dachshund so has a very long back). I've had to extend the collar with card and tape - not very satifactory. He spent the next week having daily dressings and applications of Sudacrem and they are slowly healing but of course, as soon as he's finished dinner/walk, he tries to lick them. This seems to have become a nasty habit more than anything and I'm worried he will never let them heal. The vet has been fairly unhelpful to be honest.

Does anyone have any advice? He has plenty of attention and exercise (though until recently hasn't been able to walk far due to his recovery and sore legs). Might he be better in a canvas muzzle than the buster collar? Help!

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

My old spaniel did this after our lab died - vet told me she was neurotic and was stressed/pining over our lab - not terribly helpful! I would try a combination of some rescue remedy in his food or water to help if he is stressed from his visit/stay at the vet and get some aloe juice to put in his food - I swear by it for all sorts of things as it is just very soothing and calming and may help with any skin irritation he might have.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

My JRT did this recently and even after a course of Ab's & Steroids was still licking the area raw if left uncovered (I was cleaning it daily and applying Dermoline). Anyway decided to try Wound Powder instead (which seemed much more effective), I also left it uncovered so the air could get to it (when I was around to say NO to stop him licking it again). Within 4 days hair was regrowing and he was leaving it alone.