First Lick Fit

[Swissy Mom]

Cash had his first lick fit tonight. It started a little after 9:00. I was upstairs when Ram called me down because Cash was restless, panting and licking everything. I let him out to eat grass which he did and then threw up. I gave him a Gas-X and a piece of bread. We tried crating him for a bit to see if he would settle more easily in there, but he just wanted to go out and eat more grass. So, we let him. He vomited again. It has lasted long enough to make me nervous, but the worst was over in about 40 minutes. He still hasn't just laid down at 10:35, but he isn't panting and licking anymore. Obviously, we're watching him closely. His gum color is nice and pink and color return seems normal when I press on them.

YAY! He has just climbed on the couch next to me as I type. I hope it's over now. Scary!

[Hounds_N_Leo]

such a strange phenom. I am learning about it from all the Swissy people here. I think some Beagles get it too...but they more like...suck on things and it's more of an anxiety thing...this seems more a physiological process...

Glad he is feeling better!

[Swissy Mom]

such a strange phenom. I am learning about it from all the Swissy people here. I think some Beagles get it too...but they more like...suck on things and it's more of an anxiety thing...this seems more a physiological process...

Glad he is feeling better!

Thanks Gina! He has been sleeping soundly for almost 20 minutes now. He seems completely exhausted from the whole ordeal. I felt so helpless, like there was nothing I could do to help him and he was so obviously miserable. Poor guy. Hopefully, this will only be a once in a blue moon (or less!) kind of thing for him.

[mezmerelda]

From what I've heard from a few other people, taking them for a walk can help. I'm guessing it may help them relax a bit, which can help the situation reverse itself.

I hope the tough part is over. It's always very hard to watch.

[Swissy Mom]

I had trouble even getting him off the patio into the grass. I'm not sure if I could have gotten him to walk anywhere, but I'll sure give it a try next time. I'd try just about anything if it would help or even shorten the duration. It was about 90 minutes from start until he finally laid down and went to sleep.

[Hounds_N_Leo]

do they zone out during it, like a seizure or are they all there otherwise from the licking?? Do Entles or Berner's do it too, or just the GSMD's?

[Swissy Mom]

Well, I can only speak for what I saw tonight, though I believe my German Shepard mix may have had a couple lick fits and I just didn't know what I was seeing back then.

For Cash, he wasn't zoned out, but it was all-consuming. He did "kennel up" when asked but the worst had passed and I had to bribe him a bit. He also sat when asked once the worst was over, but wouldn't maintain the sit. During the worst of it, he wouldn't/couldn't(?) focus on anything I asked. He was gasping and gulping occasionally, panting heavily, and he just had to lick...anything, everything...and then when I finally got him into the grass he just had to eat it until he threw up and then eat it some more. I had to practically carry his 80+ pound butt into the yard though as he was just consumed with licking everything between the house and grass (steps, patio, siding, grill, etc...)

[Yeti_Girl]

they're all there during a lick fit. the anxiety is different than with a seizure or post seizure. copper would listen to you but just had to lick EVERYTHING...walls, floor, you, grass, anything and everything. the gas-x/saltine cracker really worked for us. we'd give it at the first gulp of air.

they're the weirdest thing ever.

[Swissy Mom]

Of course, you realize I will now be carrying Gas-X and saltines with me when we take him places in addition to the benedryl I already have all the time. My motto is like the Boy Scouts...Be Prepared.

[Cole's Mom]

Glad Cash is feeling better. I always try to give Cole a few cookies before bed because an empty stomach can bring one on. So scary....glad it's over and hope it's the last.

[Swissy Mom]

Cash eats 4 times a day so I'm thinking empty stomach is probably not the cause for him....who knows.

[mezmerelda]

Actually, benadryl is another one of the things you can give that may help with the lick fits. One of our breeders and one in Indiana recommend that as well. We never really had more than a couple full on lick fits w/Gryffin, and they were towards the end of his life. Indy has not had a single one ever. (Have I just jinxed us?) Beowulf gets them from time-to-time, but his aren't super severe. I think it tends to be something with the deep chested breeds that are prone to bloat. I think the reason the walk helps (if you can get them to do it) is it doesn't allow them to focus on their licking and anxiety, which allows everything to dissipate, maybe?

[Baroooo]

We don't let our dogs eat grass or leaves when they get lick fits. I try to fill the tummy with things I know will help them feel better, rather than make them be sick. I know people who swear by the grass thing, so I have no idea which of us is on the right track - lol! We use biscuits and gas-x, and for the chronic bloater, reglan to get the gut moving. If the dog will somewhat settle, I make them lay next to me and work on soothing them and acupressure/TTouch points. A dog that absolutely won't settle gets walked on black top far away from any grass or weeds. Even if it doesn't help, it distracts both of us long enough to let the meds work.
Since feeding grain free or raw, we have virtually eliminated lick fits (please don't let me have jinxed myself). I think diet plays a huge role in lick fits.
This link is for colic in horses, but it nicely explains the points that I use on the dogs.
http://tellingtonttouch.com/horseArticleColic.shtml

[sam.i.am]

How scary! I'm so glad he's fine.

[Yeti_Girl]

We don't let our dogs eat grass or leaves when they get lick fits. I try to fill the tummy with things I know will help them feel better, rather than make them be sick. I know people who swear by the grass thing, so I have no idea which of us is on the right track - lol! We use biscuits and gas-x, and for the chronic bloater, reglan to get the gut moving. If the dog will somewhat settle, I make them lay next to me and work on soothing them and acupressure/TTouch points. A dog that absolutely won't settle gets walked on black top far away from any grass or weeds. Even if it doesn't help, it distracts both of us long enough to let the meds work.
Since feeding grain free or raw, we have virtually eliminated lick fits (please don't let me have jinxed myself). I think diet plays a huge role in lick fits.
This link is for colic in horses, but it nicely explains the points that I use on the dogs.
http://tellingtonttouch.com/horseArticleColic.shtml

all hail the swissy whisperer.

[Swissy Mom]

Well, coincidentally, Cash finished his kibble the night of the lick fit so he's eating raw now. We're starting with chicken and he seems to really like it. Maybe it will help him not have any more lick fits.

I don't know much about acupuncture points, but I did sit quietly with him and rub his favorite soothing spots the other night and it seemed to help him settle quite a bit. If he continues to have lick fits maybe I'll take him to the acupuncturist in our vet's practice and see if she can help or teach me some ways to help him during fits.

When it comes to gas and bloating I'm not convinced that either eating something or vomiting feels any better. I think the key is to get the gas to dissipate (simethicone) and try to keep as comfortable as possible while waiting for that to happen.

[moondog]

sorry he...and you...had to experience that. They really are the stranges things. Baron has had 2. He puked each time and after the pukies, the licking slows down to almost nothing. And the last time right before he got sick he let out the longest burp Ive ever heard from a dog. After he vomits I always give him one or 2 more gas x and a few crackers. I have noticed if we walk he doesn't lick because he has something else to focus on. I have gas x in the house, in my purse, and in my car...we are prepared

[Swissy Mom]

Cash just finished another lick fit. 45 minutes start to finish this time (better than the 90 minutes of the first one I guess.) I have started a log with every detail of his day today and last time. Hopefully, he won't continue to have them, but if he does, maybe I can at least find a pattern. I really hate these things! I feel so helpless! Along with Gas X and bread, I tried walking him (nearly impossible), massage and puppy push-ups. I had really hoped the raw diet would eliminate them.

[Yeti_Girl]

Can you add a pepcid to his meals?

[mezmerelda]

Did you guys get the storms today? I'm just wondering because they swooped through here and were awful. Sometimes I wonder if stress from weather (or otherwise) has anything to do with it. Have you tried the benadryl?

Oh, and I don't think you've been raw long enough for this to count...it will take several months for the benefits of raw to really kick in, IMO.