Tear stains and biting, nibbling legs and paws

[Besos1]

We have recently adopted a rescue dog. He has tear staining around his eyes and is often chewing and scratching his paws and legs. He has been wormed and fleaed. He was like this prior so not a reaction to these treatments. I have seen an ad for Nutripaw that is a probiotic that helps with the above. Do these actually work, or has anyone any recommendations to what may help? The vet didn't say much and said his eyes could be an allergy, stress or conjunctivitis (which it really doesn't la ok like).

I'm assuming the vet has eliminated any injuries or infections on the paws and legs. You also say he was doing this before you had him. So it isn't an allergic reaction to something new in or outside your home? My previous rescue dog chewed his paws and often got them in a right state. We eliminated anything physical and were basically told it was down to anxiety. Unfortunately we never really cured it. He was fine in every other respect - a very loving, gentle and seemingly happy labrador. For the tear stains you can bathe his eyes every day with pure warm water and you can also buy special tear stain wipes for him. Try it and see how that goes. Your vet doesn't sound much help to be honest!

My friend's dog had all the symptoms you describe. She cut chicken from his diet and it all stopped within days.

Other ideas -

• shake n vac type stuff on your carpet?
• strong cleaning products or scenty things in your house?

I agree - chicken is the most likely culprit.