Acral Lick Dermatitis in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Acral Lick Dermatitis
Organ System: Nervous/sensory

Acral lick dermatitis is a disorder in which dogs obsessively lick at a part of their leg to the point where it becomes physically damaged. Although the cause of this condition is currently unknown, it seems to be prevalent amongst the following breeds: Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Irish setter, Labrador retriever, Great Dane. This may indicate that heredity is a factor if only because highly intelligent parents often have highly intelligent pups and this disorder is often noticed in very intelligent dogs which are often left without company. Your vet can treat the damage to your dog’s leg and advise on ways to address the licking.

Breeds exposed to Acral Lick Dermatitis – Research Reference
Boston Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boxer Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Alaskan Malamute Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pug Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Shih Tzu Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pekingese Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boxer – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pekingese – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pug – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Shih Tzu – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Alaskan Malamute – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boston Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Acral Lick Dermatitis or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.