Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My Great Dane has cancer. Is his constant leg licking a sign of pain?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Great Dane | Male | neutered | 70 lbs

My 8 year old great Dane was diagnosed with a n aggressive form of cancer last week.. he has started to continuously lick his from legs.. is this from being in pain

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 12, 2018

First off, I am very sorry that Boston was diagnosed with cancer. How horrible for you and him. Some cancers can be extremely painful, such as an osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and it could be causing him to continually lick his front legs. He could also be licking them due to an skin infection or allergies. The best thing to do for him is have him seen by a vet as soon as possible, especially if you are concerned he is in pain. He may benefit from pain medications if he is in pain, and unfortunately there are none you can get him OTC. Many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can diagnose what is causing him to lick his front legs continuously and how best to treat it. Again, I'm sorry about his diagnosis and I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Dog has bald spot on leg, won't stop licking. What's the cause?

It looks like a lick granuloma which can be secondary to itching, pain, boredom, stress, OCD. They are commonly treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and bandages or E-collar to prevent licking. If that doesn't work then anti-anxiety medications, like Prozac, can be prescribed to see if that helps. Below is a link with a website with additional information. http://www.skinvetclinic.com/acrallickdermatitis.html

Updated on September 23, 2025

My dog had cancer. Why is he limping with a brown patch on his leg?

Poor Alfie. I would be concerned that the cancer may be starting to come back in that area. It could be affected his nerves in that leg which is causing him to limp or drag his leg. I would have your vet take a look at it to see if he can see or feel anything. Your vet may want to take some x-rays to see if there is any boney involvement. Your vet will also be able to prescribe him some appropriate pain meds to make him more comfortable. I do not recommend giving human pain meds as most are toxic to dogs. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23, 2025

My puppy won't stop licking his leg and is crying. What's happening?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chop. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. I cannot tell from the picture if there is a mass or a wound on his leg. His veterinarian will examine him and may shave the surrounding hair to better evaluate the area. Based on these results, treatment can be started to help him feel better. He may need oral antibiotics for a wound or surgery to remove a mass. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him to prevent any further trauma. This will be more effective than wrapping it. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's leg sore won't heal. Is it from licking? What can I do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bogart. The only thing at home you can try is having him wear an E-collar. This will prevent any licking causing further damage from self trauma. It may allow the skin to heal. If this is unsuccessful though, he will need to see a veterinarian. The area could be a mass on his leg (benign or cancerous) or he could have what is known as a lick granuloma. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is coughing and licking his leg. What should I do about it?

Hi and thanks for posting. Coughing can have a variety of causes- respiratory infections, allergies, bronchitis among others. Licking a leg may indicate an allergy or can be a sign of pain. I would recommend Blu see his veterinarian soon for an exam and further evaluation. Your vet may recommend x-rays to get a better look at his lungs and legs. He may need antibiotics, pain medication, or other medications depending on what the vet's diagnosis is. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog constantly licking and biting his front legs and joints?

Licking and biting on the paws and legs is a classic sign of allergies so he may be suffering from an allergy. It could also be secondary to anxiety or possibly pain. The best thing would be to have your vet examine him to determine the cause and treat the problem. Once diagnosed, your vet can prescribe medications to treat.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 10-year-old Great Dane has a knot on his leg. What is it?

Poor Diesel! Is he painful? You need to take him to your vet. In an older Great Dane, I am so sorry to tell you this but I would be most concerned about a possible bone tumor. Take him to your vet for an exam--they will likely recommend taking an X-ray. They can also prescribe some medication to help with pain. Don't hesitate to post again if you have any other questions.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share