Symptom-nonstop itching, licking lips

Any thoughts? I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We didn't get much sleep last night due to his constant itching? Could it just be the dry weather? A food allergy? If you look up CKCS and these symptoms, SM seems to come up a lot, but before getting an MRI, I would like to rule anything else out.

Hi Lisa, Welcome to Dogsey
Sorry to read about your concerns with your little cavalier.
There could be a number of reasons why they scratch, but try not to worry until you have visited the vet. They will check him over and give you a definate diagnosis.

Have you bathed him recently ? has he been swimming in a river ? change of food ? I could suggest several others, but think the vet would be the best bet.

He could have an alergy ? difficult to say is he scratching all over, or in a specified area ?

Tracy x

Hi Lisa welcome to dogsey sorry to hear about your cavalier is scratching i know it is a worry and as you say SM does come up a lot but i would try not to think along them lines like trixybird said it could be a lot of reasons why hes scratching im not to sure but i really dont think they do the licking of the lips with SM anyway your vet will know more so try not to worry x

Apologies if I'm stating the obvious. Have you ruled out fleas ?

Is it just licking or is it licking and front teeth nibbling ?

Is it casual licking or a sudden "ooh I've got an itch" kind of 'frantic' lick ?

I am starting him on a detox program starting today. We have ruled out fleas. Thank you so much for your concern and answers!!!

As I was reading this, Kaiy did that as his fur is coming out in clumps and he hates it, and it just made me laugh

I agree with the others, a vet will be able to check him over, and until then, watch what he eats and take note of it and his toilets, in case the vet asks

I guess it's an "ooh I've got an itch" licking of the lips. The vet suggested the detox to see if it's a food allergy.

Good luck with the detox and your little fella, hoping all turns out well for him x

My little dachie has a skin problem and after many visits to the vet and tests for allergies it was getting no better.

I read in the Janre Lilley Column in dog world that raw spinnach liquidised in a little olive oil was good for this. I tried it and put a couple of spoonfulls over his dinner and though it did not work instantaneously it did work over a period of a few weeks and he has never had the problem since.

If the detox does not work it may be worthwhile giving the spinnach a try.


Hope the little one feels better soon.

Try rubbing him all over with a dokken leave, I used to have to do that with my shar pei after a walk in the woods, she would itch and swell just at the thought of going out lol