Compulsive licking

Hi all

Does anyone have experience with dogs licking a particular spot on their body a bit too much?

My 8-month-old whippet has been licking the front of her front legs (the spot over the elbow) on both legs and has developed a small bald patch on each. It happened once before and I used Grannick's apply spray and the hair grew back. But a few weeks after that she's started licking again. I've done a lot of research and I know this can lead to acral lick dermatitis/granuloma in extreme cases, so I'm taking it very seriously. Things to note/things I've done so far:

1) Still using Grannick's apple spray regularly to stop her licking it - this works but would be nice if I didn't have to do this forever, and also I'm concerned the spray is making the skin redden
2) She has two walks per day of 30 mins each and she also has lots of puzzle toys which I give her regularly
3) She is well-loved and has a lot of cuddles
4) She's a confident and extremely friendly dog with no behavioural problems other than this, and is a very calm dog despite her young age.
2) I am currently making sure she's always got a chew toy when she lies to to rest or clean herself so she has something to occupy her mouth if she wants it

Has anyone experienced a phase of this, that went away? *hopeful!*

 

Thanks everyone who's answered so far, and the video, and vetwrap recommendation. I think I've caught this quite early and, as I spend a lot of time with her, I'm really trying to prevent it before it actually begins, and hope that the behaviour changes. The two sites are just red at the moment, and some loss of fur, but the skin isn't hardened or anything yet.

I'm not sure it's an itching thing - the spots are symmetrical on both legs so they're not bites either. She doesn't seem to be that 'bothered' by them at all, as in, she doesn't massively seem to want to lick them or get at them when I prevent her, and a spray is enough to deter her. I think it's more of a behavioural thing, a sort of compulsion, as she only does it when she's resting i.e. not occupied, but not asleep, and just lying on her bed. In the sort of way people twiddle their hair or toddlers suck their thumb. I don't think it's boredom because when she's bored she follows me around and it's kind of obvious, plus she has lots of stimulation. I think it's a sort of compulsive, habitual, self-comfort thing.

That said, I'll definitely take her to the vet if it doesn't stop.