Hello Andi. I must confess that I am laughing hysterically. I am so sorry but his expression is priceless. He looks as if he is saying "I didn't do it and I have no idea what she is talking about". I'll try to restrain myself. Are you sure he did it? (grin.)

Is it that pink spot that is on his hind leg just above his paw? My toy poodles used to have a habit of licking their paws compulsively but have outgrown the habit. (Perhaps your "boy" will do so eventually.) One of my dogs, Buffy, used to lick her paws until they were raw. The most effective solution for her was to use infant socks and wrap the tape on the ankle above the paw and roll the top of the sock over the tape. That was much more difficult for her to remove than unwinding gauze. It did look rather silly but it was effective.

You could try the infant socks and spray them with a pet bitters spray and allow them to dry before use. (If the skin is irritated apply an antibiotic cream and place gauze on it under the sock.) The strongest, alcohol free bitters spray is called "Fooey" and is safe and non-toxic, (even for use directly on the skin). Wrap the tape snugly but not too tight around the ankle. Since this is an ingrained habit, I would use the E-collar as well and provide an acceptable substitute for him to chew, (a safe toy or irresistible, long lasting dog chew/treat). If you can redirect his attention onto an acceptable object that will help tremendously. Obviously he is a large dog and will be able to remove any wrap if he is determined to do so.

I am assuming that your veterinarian has eliminated any discomfort as a possible cause and this is a canine compulsive disorder. Making the behavior unpleasant and distasteful and redirecting his attention to a positive activity is essential to overcome the behavior. It is possible to eliminate the habit (but it may take some time to do so). I wish you and your pets well as always. Good luck.

Thank you so much!
He was locked in a kennel day and night for 3.5 years. He is just about 5 now. I think that is where the habit started. He has terrible separation anxiety too.
I just love him to pieces. I will try Fooey and socks.
That photo was not very clear. Sorry about that! But yes, that pink area is his lick area.
He is looking at me like that because that is my shower. LOL! I rinse his foot off every night to wash out any goobers. He doesn't mind it if I am in there with him but I stepped out and he was not happy about being in there by himself, as his face shows LOL!

Awesome as always!

Thank you , Andi. Your dog is adorable and looks so sweet. I can't imagine that he was locked in a kennel for 3.5 years. It's no wonder that he has developed a compulsive licking behavior and has separation anxiety. He is very fortunate to have found you and has a chance to have a good quality of life in a nurturing environment. I hope he can overcome his past and become a healthy, balanced dog. Good luck.

What a gorgeous looking dog Andi. I wish CJ my dog can make friends with your adorable one.