Oscar has started to become a bit obsessed with licking his own leg... It's not an actual granuloma yet I don't think, the fur is still there and it's only pink and a tiny bit scabby - not red and hairless.

This is entirely my fault -it's been a rediculously stressful and busy time since about October, getting worse towards Christmas and then we got Hugo as soon as there was some let up, which must actually be very stressful for Oscar. Oscar just hasn't been getting the attention and stimulation he deserves. Oh god, I'm going to cry.

I can make it better now, I have left my job so have more time and more energy even when I get another job. So more walks and more training. And more keeping Hugo away from him when he wants to chill. I mean, long term I think Hugo will be a good thing for Oscar, but right now he's just a bit full on.

I'm going to try putting some sudocrem on it - but no doubt he'll lick it off. I might have to go and get a coller of shame to keep him off it for a few days. But will that just stress him out even more? And from now on he's coming with me everywhere, getting much bigger walks and doing some training everyday. And if possible I need a job where he can come with me - do such things exist?

I don't think it's infected but it might be a trip to the vets as well if it's not looking better after some action packed days and a bit of TLC.

I'm such a bad owner I thought he had coped really well with the bad time we've been having but obviously not.

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I have no advice re the licking but please don't think you're a bad owner! Anyone who's read your posts knows different. You have recognised a problem and your rectifying it that's a bloody good fur mum.
Hope you feel better tomorrow new day and all that ((( hugs ))) xx

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I am feeling a bit better this morning. Late night panicks- not good. It's not so bad and I'm in a position where I can do something about it. I managed to stop him licking this morning by covering the area with my hand then, once he stopped trying to lick my hand, giving him a bit of a massage-y scratchy fuss. It didn't take long for him to relax and stop trying to lick at all, then I got up and fed him brekkie.

I'm going to start doing some regular TTouch stuff with him to try and replace the endorphin release he gets from the licking. As well as all round more attention, training and exercise.

I'm going to sudocream the worst area then take him out for a walk to give it time to sink in before he licks it off.

I think I've noticed it and worried about it soon enough to be able to stop the pattern relatively easily - hopefully.

Still feel massively guilty but just need to move forwards.

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Please sponser my OH to run 10 marathons in 10 days round Lake Windermere starting 11th May 2012 - in aid of Brathay Trust who do fantastic work with disadvantaged young people.

Sponser him here http://www.justgiving.com/Stuart-Pyper

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Aww dear, I really sorry. Please dont beat yourself up. There are loads of dogs out there in far far worse predicaments than Oscar and as you've said, onwards and upwards from here. Just a minor blip.

Had a thought re the sudocrem. If you are keeping him with you most of the time, what about a gentle "no" when he tries to lick the sudocrem followed by a treat as soon as he stops. Work toward catching him before he gets to it so that a nice thing happens en route.

I did this with Heidi after she was spayed because she gyrated so badly with the collar on in fear. She didnt look to touch her stitches and when the nurse took them out, gave her evils for touching what even she wasn't allowed to

I'm sure Oscar will improve in leaps and bounds now- good luck

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