My dog has lick granuloma

also known as acral lick dermatitis, is a skin disorder in dogs. It results typically from the dog's urge to lick the lower portion of one of its legs.

The lesion can initially be red, swollen, irritated, and bleeding, similar to a hot spot (wet eczema). The dog's incessant licking of the lesion eventually results in a thickened, firm, oval plaque.

The most common cause of lick granuloma appears to be psychological, related to stress, anxiety, separation anxiety, boredom, or compulsiveness. Lick granulomas are especially seen in active dogs left alone for long periods of time. One theory is that excessive licking causes endorphin release, which reduces pain and makes the dog feel euphoric temporarily; that effect then causes an addiction to licking.

Treatment of the primary cause, if known, is essential. In psychogenic cases, psychological factors should be identified and addressed, such as being left alone all day, being confined, and changes in the household.