Licking paws?

[Karen]

Tell your mom that the longer she waits to spay this baby, the more chance there is for her to develop certain medical problems, like pyometra for example, as well as some special health risks throughout her life. Mammary cancer, unwanted pregnancies, ovarian cysts and cancer, etc. The sooner she is spayed the better.

I think the people who said "more exercise" may have thought it was because she is bored, but I would guess allergies as well. What food does she get? Allergies can be food-related, or environmental or both - and I say that as a human who has both kinds of allergies!

And I just want to say she's adorable! With those big brown eyes, I'd bet she is spoiled rotten! Who could resist that look?

[Giselle]

Thousands of female dogs are spayed yearly. It's a very very safe procedure, especially with today's technology. Just tell your mom that she is much better off spaying now than later. The benefits far outweigh the negatives, and it's never good to procrastinate!

Ask your vet to test for environmental allergies. If she's licking her paws, the skin between her toes will probably be red. Your vet should be able to wipe a slide on the irritated skin and be able to detect if it's a bacterial issue. If it is, it suggests an environmental allergy because allergies overwork the immune system and allow naturally occurring bacteria to flourish. Other tell-tale signs of allergies are hot spots, smelly ears, flaky skin and bad coat, and hairless and irritated patches. If your vet doesn't know how to test for these things (some don't), you may be better off finding a veterinary dermatologist. The money is well worth it because the dermatologist will give you a definitive answer!

[Jakesmom]

The feet and tummy licking are probably allergies, and she might have some infection (quite commonly goes along with allergies). You could try malaseb medicated wipes on her feet and belly--I have used them with good result for my cocker.

Good Luck.

Jake's mom