Stop Your Dog From Licking Their Wounds: 6 Proven Methods
A snug recovery suit and playful diversions help promote swift healing and comfort.
How to Stop Your Dog From Licking Their Wounds: Comprehensive Care Guide
When your dog suffers an injury or undergoes surgery, their instinct is often to lick at the wound. While this may seem harmless or even beneficial, excessive licking can cause significant problems, slow healing, and increase the risk of infection. This guide explores why dogs lick their wounds, the risks involved, and expert-approved methods for preventing wound licking to ensure your pet’s safe and speedy recovery.
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds?
Dogs rely on their tongues for self-soothing, cleaning, and investigating injuries. The main reasons they lick wounds include:
- Self-Comfort: Licking helps distract from pain and provides psychological comfort, similar to how humans might rub or inspect minor injuries.
- Pain Relief: The repetitive motion and sensation can trigger endorphin release, offering short-term relief from discomfort.
- Wound Cleaning: Dogs instinctively try to clean away debris and bacteria, as some elements of dog saliva do contain antimicrobial properties. However, these effects are limited.
Historical Note: Ancient cultures, like the Greeks, believed in the healing power of dog saliva, though modern science suggests this is a misconception.
Is It Ever Helpful for Dogs to Lick Their Wounds?
Despite these instincts, modern veterinary science warns against allowing wound licking:
- Introduction of Harmful Bacteria: While saliva can kill some bacteria, it also introduces new, potentially dangerous microbes to wounds.
- Disruption of Healing: Excessive licking can reopen wounds, dissolve stitches, or create larger injuries known as lick granulomas.
- Risk of Infection: Persistent licking increases inflammation, slows healing, and makes wounds more susceptible to infection and complications.
Ultimately, veterinary experts agree that it is not advisable to let dogs lick their wounds.
Potential Risks of Allowing Wound Licking
| Potential Problem | Risk Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Infection | High | Dog’s mouth introduces harmful bacteria, increasing chances of secondary infections. |
| Delayed Healing | ModerateâHigh | Licking can disrupt scab formation, tear sutures, or continually reopen the site. |
| Lick Granulomas | High (with persistent licking) | Chronic sores and thickened skin develop from repeated licking, sometimes requiring medical intervention. |
| Self-Mutilation | Rare | Extreme cases may result in dogs causing significant tissue loss to themselves. |
How Can You Prevent Your Dog From Licking Their Wounds?
Preventing wound licking is crucial for fast and safe recovery. Common strategies focus on both physical barriers and behavioral management.
1. Elizabethan Collars (E-Collars or “Cones”)
Often called “cones of shame,” these plastic or soft collars are the traditional go-to solution:
- They prevent dogs from reaching most parts of their body with their mouth.
- Variations include hard plastic cones and inflatable doughnut collars, which may be more comfortable but less effective for certain body locations.
- Most commonly recommended immediately after surgeries or in cases with significant wounds.
2. Bandaging and Dressings
Bandages offer a direct barrier between the wound and your dog’s tongue:
- Use only under veterinary advice, as improper bandaging can impede healing or cause complications.
- Regularly change bandages as directed to prevent moisture buildup and infection.
- Protective wraps or socks can cover wounds on legs or paws, with dog boots as another useful option.
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3. Dog-Safe Clothing
For wounds on the body or limbs, clothing like specially designed post-surgery recovery suits, dog shirts, or even baby onesies can help:
- Clothing must be breathable, snug but not tight, and allow for free movement.
- Ensure the material doesn’t irritate the skin or open the wound area.
4. Alternative Protective Devices
- Inflatable/Soft Collars: These are padded and can be more comfortable than rigid cones, though less restrictive for certain injuries.
- Muzzles: Used only under professional guidance and not for extended periods, muzzles may prevent chewing or licking in acute situations.
5. Topical Products and Sprays
- Wound Deterrent Sprays: Specially formulated sprays may make wounds taste unpleasant, discouraging licking.
- Liquid Bandages: Some products form a protective film over wounds, offering a physical and chemical barrier (ensure safe for dogs).
- Veterinary-Recommended Creams: Select only those prescribed by a vet to avoid toxicity.
6. Behavioral Strategies
- Provide Distractions: Puzzle toys, chew items, and increased attention can redirect your dog from wound focus.
- Enrichment Activities: Gentle play, training exercises, or scent-based games can occupy your dog’s mind during recovery.
Veterinary Care and At-Home Wound Management
Veterinary Treatment of Wounds
- Wounds may be washed, debrided, and, when possible, sutured closed by professionals.
- Abscesses or contaminated wounds may require drainage and open wound management.
- Your vet will prescribe antibiotics or topical medications for infection control.
Home Care Instructions
- Gently clean the wound as directed by your vet using recommended solutions.
- Administer all medications (oral and topical) exactly as prescribed and for the full course.
- Do not allow your dog to lick or chew at the wound at any time during healing. Use collars or bandages as necessary to enforce this.
- If bandages are used, change them daily or as advised, ensuring the area remains dry and clean.
- Monitor for signs of infection: redness, swelling, oozing, bad odor, or increased discomfort. Contact your veterinarian promptly if you see any of these signs.
Common Locations for Lick Granulomas & Persistent Licking
Some wounds are more likely to attract persistent licking, including:
- Front Legs: Lick granulomas are most often found here, especially on the forearms.
- Paws: Cuts, abrasions, or post-surgical incisions are commonly licked due to accessibility.
- Tail and Groin Areas: Dogs may lick anal gland sites or perineal wounds obsessively.
Can Licking Be a Sign of Other Problems?
Sometimes, excessive wound licking signals more than just physical healingâit may point to:
- Anxiety or Boredom: Dogs left alone or under-stimulated may develop repetitive licking habits.
- Pain or Underlying Illness: Persistent licking at sites without wounds can be a sign of arthritis, allergies, or neuropathic pain.
- Behavioral Compulsions: Chronic, compulsive licking may require behavioral intervention along with wound management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is it dangerous for dogs to lick their wounds?
A: Licking introduces harmful bacteria, risking infection, can tear out healing tissue or sutures, and often leads to delayed healing or serious conditions like lick granulomas.
Q: My dog keeps removing their e-collar. What should I do?
A: Try a different style of collar (e.g., inflatable or padded), use dog clothing as an extra layer, and ensure the collar is properly fitted. Consult your vet for solutions tailored to your dog’s behavior and wound location.
Q: Are there any safe sprays to prevent licking?
A: Some sprays have flavors or scents that repel dogs, but not all are safe or effective. Only use products approved for canine use by your veterinarian and monitor for skin irritation.
Q: How can I tell if a wound is infected?
A: Signs include redness, swelling, discharge (pus), heat, a foul odor, or increased pain at the site. If your dogâs wound shows any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Q: When should I seek veterinary help?
A: Seek veterinary attention if you notice uncontrollable licking, worsening wound condition, presence of infection, or if your dog becomes lethargic, feverish, or stops eating.
Pro Tips for Effective Wound Recovery
- Follow veterinary instructions precisely.
- Keep your dog calm and minimally active to avoid reopening wounds.
- Monitor wound healing progress daily.
- Offer safe distractions and enrichment to redirect your dogâs focus away from their injury.
- Use only recommended barriers and medications. Improper bandages or home remedies can do more harm than good.
Conclusion
Dogs’ instincts drive them to lick their wounds, but modern research proves this does more harm than good. To provide the best care, prevent your dog from accessing their wounds with physical barriers, vigilant monitoring, and, if needed, professional veterinary aid. Quick, attentive care can ensure faster healing and prevent complications, allowing your dog to return to their energetic, healthy self in no time.
References
- https://vetericyn.com/blog/how-do-i-keep-my-dog-from-licking-her-wound/
- https://spotpet.com/blog/dog-tips/should-a-dog-lick-wounds-to-heal-them
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-behavior/why-do-dogs-lick-your-wounds
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/care-of-open-wounds-in-dogs
- https://www.petful.com/pet-health/dog-lick-sore-spot/
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