Oliver is Giving Himself Mats!

[Jaime + Oliver]

In the past few weeks Oliver has started to chew on his hair on the tops and inside of his hind legs.  At first I thought he was trying to tell us there were mats there that were bothering him, but we keep the area well maintained.  Now it's a daily battle and the mats are usually so big we have to cut them out.  I keep catching him chewing and try to divert his attention.

No changes in food or treats and he hasn't yet had any allergy issues.  We do keep his hair around 1"-1.5" since his coat change started a few months ago.

Any thoughts on possible causes or ways to help him stop?  Anyone else have their dogs create mats on themselves?

[Judith and Addie]

Just a couple thoughts that popped into my head. Are there any other changes in the household that might be causing him stress. Do you notice any irritation, and could it be a contact allergy? Also, at least with people, and I expect dogs as well, an allergy can develop with continued exposure and maybe it is a food allergy that developed. 

I wish I could give you some advice but fortunately, I haven't had the issue with my doodle - yet. 

[Jaime + Oliver]

Everything is the same - food, schedule etc.  That's why I'm so stumped!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I can tell you that these are not the initial symptoms of an allergy, either seasonal allergies (the most common type) or food allergies. :) 

[Jaime + Oliver]

Well that's reassuring to hear!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

If you think it might be a habit, what if you sprayed the area he chews with a dilute listerine spritz or sour apple spray just to discourage the chewing?

[Jaime + Oliver]

I think we're going to have to try this!

[Trudy Harlow]

Could it be stress of any kind? Figuring this out might take some work. Many doodles are really tuned into their people, and if you are yourself anxious, for example, perhaps he is picking up on that. I know my dog can lick compulsively when he's feeling anxious.

I hear what Karen is saying about the initial expression of allergies, but my dog's licking and chewing of his front paws and legs disappeared completely when we removed allergens.