Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How electronic collars help stop dogs licking their legs too much
By Eckstein, R A & Hart, B L·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·1996·Department of Anatomy, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Treatment of canine acral lick dermatitis by behavior modification using electronic stimulation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of five dogs with acral lick dermatitis, which causes them to excessively lick their legs, were treated using an electronic training collar that delivers a mild shock as a form of behavior modification. This approach worked well, with four of the dogs completely stopping their licking after treatment. For those that relapsed during the follow-up period, retraining quickly resolved the issue again. Overall, this method showed promise in helping dogs overcome this frustrating skin problem.
People also search for: dog licking legs treatment · acral lick dermatitis in dogs · electronic collar for dog behavior issues
Abstract
Canine acral lick dermatitis is characterized by excessive licking on areas of one or more limbs, usually near the carpus or tarsus. In this prospective study, five dogs with acral lick dermatitis were treated with remote punishment utilizing precisely controlled, momentary shock from an electronic training collar. The problem resolved in four dogs. Resolution was defined as one month in which no shocks (i.e., no electronic shock collar worn) or Elizabethan collars were utilized and no licking had occurred sufficiently to recreate a gross skin lesion. Relapse during the follow-up period of six-to-12 months occurred in two dogs, but licking stopped after brief retraining periods.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8731136/