Pup loves licking my hubby's feet

Jun 15 2008 Scott Miller

Pets Corner

Q Why does my golden retriever love licking my husband's feet?

A It sounds horrible, especially if your dog then licks your face!

Dogs like salty flavours and sweaty feet end up with salt residues. My Border terrier Betty likes licking my legs after a run... disgusting but true.

Q My eight-year-old cocker spaniel has a lump on her stomach. Could this just be fatty tissue?

A It could be loads of things, such as a cyst or a benign or malignant mass. Cockers are prone to fatty abdomen growths called lipomas, though I suggest a quick check over by your vet to put your mind at rest.

Q We took in a stray puppy who has a swelling like a hernia in the corner of her eye.

We are treating it with drops daily as advised by our vet. An operation is possible but we were told the problem may return in a year. Can we just keep treating it with drops?

A This is known as cherry eye. The gland of the third eyelid has prolapsed, causing the nictitans gland to swell and become inflamed due to exposure to dry air and irritants.

Topical treatments may work if the problem is spotted early but your pup will definitely need surgery to reposition the gland. The gland can be successfully replaced but not if caught too late. Ask your vet about surgery .

Q I took my labrador pup to be dressed and she suffered a skin irritation after she was shaved for the surgery. The vet could not find mites or parasites and prescribed steroids and antibiotics. If they don't help he will try food allergy and blood tests.

A It is unlikely the vet caused the problem. Clipper rash or irritation around the suture line can make a dog lick the area, with the acid in saliva causing acral lick dermatitis. This should clear up with minor treatment.

Labradors are prone to skin conditions. You will have to go through a possibly expensive series of tests to find out what is wrong. If you want a second opinion, ask your vet to refer you to a dermatologist.

Q Our two-year-old rescue dog is aggressive towards other animals, particularly the German shepherd next door.

We had him castrated to calm him and take him on walks with his neighbour to get them used to each other. But they still fight at the slightest provocation. How can I make him behave?

A As a stray, your dog will have had to fight to secure food. As his testosterone levels wane and he gets used to his new life, hopefully he will lose the urge to attack other dogs. You are doing the right thing by walking them together and neutering him. Using a halti collar will help you control him. Don't feed the dogs together and use treats to make each focus on their owners, not each other.