Why do dogs lick wounds and does it aid healing?
The phrase “retreating to lick one’s wounds” originates from observing animals like cats and dogs that instinctively lick their injuries as a way to soothe themselves and clean the area.
This natural behaviour is so common that vets often provide a buster collar after surgery to prevent dogs from licking wounds, because while licking can offer some healing benefits, it also carries risks.
This article explores why dogs lick wounds, the potential healing effects, the dangers involved, and how best to care for your dog's injuries responsibly to ensure safe recovery.
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds?
Dogs lick wounds because they seek to soothe pain, remove debris, and clean the area. Unlike humans, dogs lack fingers and thus use their mouths to investigate and groom injuries. The licking action also acts as a comforting behaviour that can calm the dog and reduce distress after injury.
Additionally, licking may help cool inflammation and reduce irritation at the injury site.
Do Dogs’ Saliva and Licking Help Healing?
Dog saliva contains compounds like thrombospondin, lactoferrin, cystatins, lysozyme, and peroxidase which have mild antibacterial and antiviral qualities that might help reduce certain bacteria on wounds. It also includes growth factors and opiorphin, a natural pain reliever, potentially supporting quicker healing.
Moderate licking can clean debris from the wound and stimulate blood circulation, aiding recovery to some extent.
Risks of Allowing Dogs to Lick Their Wounds
Despite these benefits, dog saliva is not sterile and harbours many bacteria, including harmful species that can infect wounds. Dogs also groom themselves in unhygienic ways, often licking areas contaminated with faecal matter or dirt, increasing infection risk if allowed to lick wounds.
Excessive licking can cause irritation, delay healing, remove protective scabs, and damage surgical sutures, potentially worsening the injury.
Should You Let Your Dog Lick Their Wounds?
Veterinarians in the UK recommend preventing dogs from licking wounds to minimise infection risk and promote timely healing. Using a buster collar or other protective devices after surgery or injury is important, along with following your vet's wound care instructions closely.
If the wound shows signs of infection such as redness, swelling, discharge or if your dog seems in pain, seek veterinary assistance promptly.
How to Care for Your Dog’s Wounds Properly
- Assess the severity: For major or bleeding wounds, consult your vet immediately. Minor wounds can be managed at home carefully.
- Control bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth until bleeding stops, or bandage if necessary.
- Clean the wound: Use mild dog-safe antiseptics like saline or diluted chlorhexidine. Avoid harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol that damage healthy tissue.
- Treat and protect: Apply vet-approved antibacterial creams and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Use an Elizabethan collar if needed to prevent licking.
- Monitor healing: Clean and redress wounds regularly, watch for infection signs, and seek vet advice if healing is delayed or symptoms worsen.
Responsible wound care combined with appropriate prevention of licking supports faster, safer recovery for your dog.
Remember, while dogs’ instinct to lick wounds is natural, careful management and veterinary guidance remain crucial to keeping them healthy and comfortable.
