Dog Keeps Licking Wound

If your dog has ever suffered a sting, bite, cut, or anything that causes inflammation on the skin, you may have seen your dog licking the wound. You might have been wondering if you should stop and intervene, or let your dog keep licking the wound. Some people even believe that a dog licking a wound can help it heal faster. We will cover this exact question today, and we hope that all of your questions will be answered.

Why do dog’s lick their wounds?

Dog’s lick their wounds because it is the only action they can take to help relieve pain. Licking the wound can sometimes stop the stinging sensation. Since dog’s can’t just go to the store and buy neosporin and a bandaid, the only thing they can do is lick the wound. 

Does a dog licking a wound help it heal faster?

Yes, a dog licking a wound can help it heal faster. This is because dog saliva actually contains substances that prevent the growth of bacteria. This can be very beneficial in an open wound that is at risk of collecting bacteria. Additionally, when a dog licks a wound, it can actually help remove small pieces of mud or hair that might be stuck in the wound.

Should you let your dog lick its wound?

We don’t recommend letting your dog lick its wound, because it can end up doing more harm than good (especially if he/she starts chewing at the wound). This is because excessive licking and chewing at a wound can actually cause it to become more inflamed and increase the size of the wound. This can lead to an infection, especially if your dog keeps opening up the wound and not giving it enough time to heal on its own.

For this reason, we recommend treating a dog’s wound with bandages and cream instead of letting your dog lick the wound. Right when you discover a wound, you should apply an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory cream to the wound. Then you should apply a bandage to the spot of the wound. This will prevent your dog from reaggravating the spot, and it will allow the wound to heal on its own. You should replace the bandage every day or two to help prevent infections.