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.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Karen is correct - the allergies aren't fixable but it "appears" that it is relieving the paw itching.  I did spend some time on Google and found that people use Listerine for horses and sheep! 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Let us know once you get a chance to ask the Vet.  If he is getting relief then that is good.  I know what you are going through as we are dealing with it as well.  We have a food issue though that we are working through.  Will  be interested to hear what the Vet thinks and also if it continues to work long term. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, I have no answer, but I am sure it is a big relief to have Rooney not licking his paws. I hate itching and I have much sympathy for these dogs.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I use the cortisone spray for Murph who has environmental allergies that often make his paws and "butt" itchy, but this is interesting.  I'm so glad you found something to help Rooney and thanks so much for sharing.

[Joe R.]

Ok Jane. This might be a silly question, but which Listerine flavor are you using. I remember growing up and hating the taste of the original. This was pre-mint flavor days. I think think I'm going to try it for Gus and Lilly.

P.S. How's the doodle window sticker holding up? The one I have on my Edge is starting to crack and fade after only a year. 

[Donna K & Quincy]

I am glad this is working for Rooney and if he's not licking I say it's a really good thing. I hope Listerine is not harmful for dogs, I brushed Quincy's teeth with it one day after he decided to chow down on some kind of poop while we were walking in the woods. I brushed his teeth and washed his face twice and his breath still smelled so I dipped his toothbrush in Listerine and brushed his teeth, minty fresh after that. I wonder would this work on the red beard issue, I may have to try it but I'll wait till you get some feed back from your vet.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

@ Joe - the Doodle sticker is still looking good and that says a lot because it spends too much time in the Florida sun!  Thanks again!! 

The "flavor" I'm using is the green "mint" only because I already had a small, un-opened bottle and thought if it didn't work I wasn't out much.  Conan (Irish Wolf Hound) - his mom started with the Mint and then went to a store brand "original" flavor.  When I have to purchase some - I'll switch to it also.

I have now dipped Rooney's feet 3 times - and we continue to be amazed - don't ask me how but I do believe that his feet DON'T ITCH.  I think the grass (which isn't like real grass) is the cause of some of the feet issues for many dogs down here.  Perhaps the Listerine is killing some type of bacteria - I have no clue but he just doesn't "notice" his feet any longer.  He hasn't "tasted" them once - doesn't sniff his feet - nothing. 

I will ask the Vet on our next visit  but don't feel that this warrants a special trip in so I'll watch for dryness or other signs of reaction.  I have the feeling that they'll think me NUTS - lol but then again why would they admit that it works - then they wouldn't need to sell me anything.   

If anyone else tries the Listerine - please let us know how it works for your doodle. 

 

It is almost 2:00 a.m - and we are heading out soon for the 22 hr drive to Michigan - dd's wedding on 7/13/13!  So happy that Rooney & Stuart are good travelers - but poor kitty, even with meds - will scream the entire way.  Let the adventure begin!!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

All good news ( except about kitty). Safe journey with an itch-less Rooney! I hope the wedding is delightful.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Enjoy the wedding.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I say whatever works.  I think I will try Listerine on my Springer's legs, but, although he has allergies, I suspect the leg licking is his anxiety.   Enjoy the wedding.

[Judi, David & Maddie Irishdoodle]

I have actually heard of people using listerine as a home remedy to treat nail fungus. Not sure how or if it works.
If we can fill our mouths and swish with it I wouldn't be opposed to using it on Maddie's paws if she was a licker.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Yay!  I used the new search link and found this discussion which I had NOT been able to find.  We got some Listerine and put it on Gordie's forelegs where he continually licks.  MAGIC. He quit licking.  I don't know if he doesn't like the small, or if he listerine stops the itch, or why it worked, but, frankly, I don't care why it helped, just that it did.  I am a believer.  Now, as for Red Wine Vinegar ever being good for anything .......   :-}