Miracle Cure for Paw Licking

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Just wanted to pass this along.  Rooney has allergy issues and we give him a Zyrtec every day to help but it does not relieve his itchy paws.  We catch him licking his front feet and despite medicated wipes from the Vet - it continues to be a problem.  WELL GUESS WHAT?  I'm not sure why it works or how it works but it is amazing.  We were told by a friend that has a Irish Wolf Hound whose feet are usually licked raw that a breeder told them to dip the feet after being outside is a shallow bowl of LISTERINE - yep mouthwash.  I thought "what the heck can it hurt to try" and so I've been doing it for 2 days - AND NOT 1 LICK.  I have no idea if the smell stops him (his feet smell minty fresh - lol) or if the anti bacteria component in the mouthwash is providing some relief.  The friends have now moved their dog to a cheaper generic brand with the same great results.  Unless someone can tell me that this is not a good thing for the dog - I'm going to keep Rooney on his Listerine!  If you doodle has a foot licking issue - I'd love to hear if this works for you.  I just keep a 1/2 inch in a small Rubbermaid container - super easy.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Nancy, how often do you apply it, or did just once work? Did you spray it on or just soak his legs?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I put it on a cotton ball and rub/drizzle it on.  I am doing it twice a day. I don't know why it seems to be working, but it is.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I have decided that the Listerine is an aversive because Gordie does not like it when I put it on. I assume that if it was soothing he would want it put on.  However, he does not lick when it is on.  In this heat though, it seems to 'wear' off faster so I find myself putting it on anytime I see him lick.

[Wendy and Myla]

This is weird but when I was updating my breeder about Myla at around four months old, I mentioned that she was still nipping us and she told me to spray "Listerine" at her mouth every time she nipped and that would help stop it.  I didn't do it as she stopped shortly after but I just remembered that when I read this post.  Maybe dogs just don't like it!  I'm so glad it's working for you and as long as it doesn't seem like Rooney is really itchy but won't lick because of the Listerine, I'd go for it!!!!