Is your dog licking a wound? We’ll explain why this is not a good idea and how you can prevent your dog from causing further harm to itself.

When your dog is injured, it’s undoubtedly a big shock for both you and your furry friend. As a dog owner, you would do everything to ensure your dog’s well-being, but a dog doesn’t always know what’s best for itself. Folklore often claims that dog saliva is beneficial for healing. So, does the dog lick the wound for health reasons? Unfortunately, that’s a misconception; most often, dogs lick for entirely different reasons! The dog licks the wound for various reasons. Once the healing process begins, it can start to itch. You’ve experienced this yourself, and it’s terribly uncomfortable.

So, the dog licks the wound to relieve itself from itching. While this reason is harmless, it can affect wound healing. Inflammations that can occur after bite injuries are also a possible cause. The dog licks the wound to alleviate pain, but this can promote inflammation, requiring treatment. The risk of infection is especially high when there are bacteria in the mouth.

Your dog doesn’t lick the wound because it has behavioral issues or is disturbed by the treatment. It’s its instinct that drives it to this action. The dog often licks the wound repeatedly without realizing that it hampers the healing process. It’s crucial to keep an eye on your dog in such situations.

Dog licking wound – does it heal itself?

The dog licks the wound only to heal itself! Such statements are common among animal lovers, but what does science say about this? The scientific community is divided on this issue because dog saliva contains bacteria. The dog licks the wound, transferring bacteria through its saliva, making healing more challenging. Experts, including veterinarians, therefore advise preventing the dog from licking as much as possible. But how can this be achieved in practice?

Imagine your dog licking the wound, and you kindly ask it to stop. Impossible, because the dog has a reason for acting that way. It doesn’t think about potential bacteria in its saliva; it licks the wound because it itches or hurts. The only way to prevent licking is to use a salve that promotes better blood circulation and wound healing. Simultaneously, it should be capable of relieving itching to curb the dog’s tormenting urge to lick the wound.

Checking the dog’s saliva

The dog licks the wound, transferring the dog’s saliva, but what does this do to wound healing? Analyses of dog saliva have shown that it contains proteins with antifungal and antimicrobial properties. This can stimulate the immune system and accelerate wound healing.

So, does the dog licking the wound promote health? No, unfortunately, it’s not as straightforward as it may seem at first glance. Although the dog licks the wound without negative intent, it jeopardizes healing due to bacteria in its saliva. These bacteria are more prevalent than the positive effects of dog saliva.

The dog tends to lick the wound more intensively when it is deep and large. Your dog is likely not to notice small scratches, and the wound healing is not immediately at risk in such cases. However, if the injury is significant, and the dog licks the wound, the introduction of bacteria is highly probable. In such cases, the continuous moisture from licking can prolong the healing process. The dog licks the wound, keeping it moist, and repeatedly breaking the gently formed protective layer.

Here are a few good reasons why it’s absolutely not advisable to let your dog lick its wound:

Dog licking wound – how to prevent it!

Is your dog repeatedly licking its wound, and you’re unsure about what to do? Two main reasons exist when a dog refuses to keep its tongue away from the wound:

The dog primarily licks the wound when the healing itch continues to spread. In this case, you won’t be able to deter it, as the itching drives it almost mad. It’s challenging to explain to your dog that by doing so, it’s removing the natural wound dressing, delaying the healing process.

Therefore, you should support your dog in other ways. Special wound sprays can ensure that your dog’s wound remains adequately moist, reducing the itch. The dog will then lick the wound less because it feels less disturbed by it. The dog also licks the wound when experiencing pain. In such cases, it’s crucial to maintain communication with your veterinarian. After a severe injury, certain pains are entirely normal. However, it’s not good if the pain significantly exceeds a normal level.

The dog often licks the wound noticeably long and may even whimper. You might also frequently notice redness around the wound edges. In such cases, an inflammation may have developed, and the dog licks the wound because it’s in severe pain. Have your veterinarian examine such a wound immediately, as your dog may need a pain reliever. The dog will lick the wound less because it has less pain.

Dog licking wound – what you should do as a dog owner now

Observation: The dog licks the wound, and you don’t know why? Observe it and check whether it’s part of its normal grooming ritual or if it’s behaving compulsively. Dogs clean their bodies with their tongues. If the behavior is compulsive, there may be unexpressed pain or itching, and the dog is not licking the wound for pleasant reasons.

Deter the dog: Your dog is licking the wound, and you caught it in the act? Try to distract it, but never punish it. Always remember: The dog is not licking the wound because it’s disobedient. It doesn’t understand why its skin is damaged and is trying to cope with wound pain, itching, and the foreign body sensation in its own way!

Visit the vet: The dog is licking the wound, and you’re unsure if it’s normal? Pay attention to how your dog’s wound looks. Once the edges turn red, your dog eats less, and its overall mood deteriorates, it’s time to consult a veterinarian.

Dog licking human wounds – is it dangerous?

The dog licks its wound when injured. Some dogs are not only interested in their own injuries but also prefer to take care of their owners’ wounds. The dog licks the human wound with the goal of promoting healing or comforting you as the owner. Licking has a social aspect among dogs; they also lick their canine buddies, especially if they like them.

The dog licks your wound for good reasons, but you should still prevent it. Toxins are present in the dog’s saliva, which can harm you as a human more than your dog. The dog is not licking the wound with malicious intent, so you should not punish it if it’s trying to help you.

However, still prevent it because the dog licks the wound with its tongue, which it previously used to eat, clean its rear, and lick various objects. Not a pleasant thought, right? The dog licks the wound and introduces bacteria that can trigger an immune reaction in humans.

Although the risk of rabies is not widespread among domestic dogs in many countries, the dog is not licking the wound to promote health but may even harm it more than anticipated. To protect the healing of wounds for both humans and animals, always ensure that the dog cannot lick either your wounds or its own.