Dog Biting his Tail

[So_Fetch]

My dog, Meatloaf (an aussie/something bigger mix) has had several skin irritation issues. a year or so ago, he was getting splotches of rash on his belly (where they was less fur). I gave him benedryl and he got a prescription spray. I also started using irritant free laundry soap on his bedding. He healed fairly quickly.

Now, he is chewing chewing chewing. He managed to chew a hole in his tail that got infected and he ended up on antibiotics and a really expensive pill that made him pee and drink like mad. (that was three months ago). he healed up (mostly) and now he's chewing again. Not nearly as bad as before, but he has a couple quarter sized scabby spots on his hips, and he managed to chew his tail some more. I'm using benedryl and spraying it with the prescription spray as well as a bitter spray, that doesn't seem to deter him. he also has to wear a cone when he's not supervised.

the vet said his skin (other than the bad spots) looks amazing and that its not a food allergy (he's on avoderm). But I don't know what else to try. Any thoughts/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Oh and he's also on flea meds.

[sparrowgreen]

Could it be more of a nerves/anxiety thing than an allergy?

[So_Fetch]

I read that online - that sometimes it will be a habit. They recommended more exercise to wear him out. so I'm trying that now too - hopefully that will help.

[sparrowgreen]

I hope it helps! If you don't already, you can also wear him out mentally with stuffed kongs, trick training and other mentally stimulating games and toys. Good luck!