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Q - MY TWO-YEAR-OLD LABRADOR TOBY CONSTANTLY LICKS THE FRONT PART OF HIS PAW TO THE EXTENT THAT HE IS DEVELOPING A BALD PATCH. IS A TRIP TO THE VET NECESSARY? A - THIS habit needs to be
nipped in the bud and I recommend a trip to your vet immediately. Although Toby’s constant licking hasn’t caused much damage at present, if this behaviour continues, it could lead to a skin
disorder called lick granuloma. This occurs when the constant licking causes inflammation, skin damage and broken hairs to become imbedded deep within the skin. The body then tries to seal
off the inevitable infection, leading to granuloma. The fact you have spotted this behaviour before any real damage has been caused will give your vet a good chance of identifying any
underlying problems. It should also reduce the need for months of treatment including the use of antibiotics. As boredom is often quoted as a major initiating cause for this behaviour, you
may want to ensure that Toby has plenty of exercise, as well as toys to play with. David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals. Write to him at Express Yourself,
10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN. He is unable to enter into individual correspondence.