Can prolonged licking of walls and tarmac make a dog ill?

[Threadworm]

My dog is lethargic and off his food today. Yesterday he was a bit sick -- no food in it, just very frothy.

The only possible cause I can think of is that when I was raking and sweeping in the garden yesterday he 'joined in' as he often does by licking the drive and the wall. Very odd behaviour. I'm guessing that in the wild, wolves would copy this sort of ground licking to exploit some mineral supply.

He froths at the lips a little when he is doing it.

Could it make him ill?

.

Anyone?

I wouldnt have throught so unless there is some plant or moss that would make him ill. Check online for plants etc which can make dogs ill. My dog does this sometimes and it is just like us and it will run its course. As long as he is drinking and has energy I wouldnt worry about it. After a couple of days he should be fine again if now I would be inclined to get him checked out. Hope he is better soon

It all depends, the tarmac will have substances hazardous to health in it which is not a good thing to lick. Also is the paint likely to have lead in it? Its surprising how much rubbish an animal takes in by licking stuff like this.

Thanks, Dixi and Singy. He's had a little walk and seemed his usual self. I think I'll fast him this morning,see how he is today, and call vet tomorrow if not better.

If dog is otherwise reasonably bright starve for 24hrs, water access only, then start on small amounts of bland diet (2-3 mouthfuls every 1-2 hours0 - chicken, white fish, but of rice that type of thing for next 24 hrs, then sensible sized meals of bland diet the following day. Gradually re-introduce the old diet into the bland diet after a few days if all going well.

If dog is depressed, unable to keep water down or is vomiting up food again once re-introduced or anything else that worries you, the dog needs to see the vet sooner rather than later for a check.

Thanks v much beautiful girls. He is bright enough. He hadn't drunk anything and refused his normal food tonight. I gave him some warm water with a teeny bit of Marmite in it, which he drank and has kept down. He is very interested in our dinner despite rejecting his so I'm thinking of giving him a small bit of chicken.

If he's stilloff food tomorrow I guess I'll call vet.

Hi, how is dog today??

My friend's child got lead poisoning from eating (rather than licking) paint. Worth asking about a blood test perhaps if he's been licking the paint a lot.

Thanks all. Still not quite himself. Full of energy on walks, normal poos and no sickness. But not eating well. I'm wondering if he has hurt his mouth or throat, either through licking or through his stick fetish. He chews sticks to pieces on walks and a fragment might have scratched him.

Oh, no paint on the surfaces he licked though.

Was your friend's child ok, Yurt? Hope so.