Question:
We have a 15-year-old Lhasa apso, and, except for some cataracts, he is in good health. Four years ago, we replaced our kitchen floor with Mexican tile, and about a year ago, he began to obsessively lick the tile floor. Nothing stops him! The foyer is also covered with Mexican tile, but he shows no interest in that, only the two spots in the kitchen.
The kitchen floor is kept clean. We used to clean it with white vinegar, but after trying many products, we finally decided to clean it with just clear water. Nothing is dropped on the floor. We've had cleaning crews in, and we've checked every product they use. We are all baffled. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and we do not want to isolate him. He is a sociable dog and likes to be in the middle of the action most of the time. What do you suggest?
M.F., Catharpin, Va Jul 04, 2010
Answer:
I wish all pet households would clean their tile and linoleum floors with hot water and a little white vinegar and borax or baking soda and use organic cleaners such as organic Orange TKO instead of more widely used cleaners replete with potentially toxic ingredients, notably endocrine-disrupting volatile organic compounds. The minerals and clay-like smell of the tiles may trigger your dog's obsessive licking. He may have a dietary deficiency or particular nutrient need. Anemic dogs and some with cancer and other debilitating diseases often lick brick and cement surfaces. Discomfort can intensify this so-called pica.
My dogs, my wife and I consume a little clay on a daily basis. One supplier of a brand called Sacred Clay (a pyrophyllite clay rich in many trace minerals) is Vitality Herbs and Clay, 729 Walker Ave., Ashland, OR, 97520; phone: (888) 325-1475. Such supplements may benefit your dog and many older dogs and cats because of their rich and safe diversity of essential and beneficial nutrients.
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