Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds?

Dogs lick just about everything, including their own cuts, wounds, and injuries. But is that safe for them to do?

Why It Happens

Dogs often lick their wounds in order to promote healing. In many wounds, this can help the recovery process. Licking also helps to relieve pain.

Licking is often instinctual, meant to help protect dogs. This is because their saliva contains tissue factor, a protein that boosts blood clotting. It also has an endogenous chemical known as Opiorphin which reduces pain!

History

In ancient times, the licking of wounds – specifically by dogs – was used to help heal human wounds, too.

Egyptians believed that a dog’s lick on an open wound could cure infection and promote healing. In Armenian belief, creatures known as Aralezes, very similar in appearance to dogs, would come from the skies to lick the fallen’s wounds, resurrecting them. Ancient Grecians had dogs specially trained to lick patients under the shrine of the god of medicine, Aesculapius.

Is It Dangerous?

There are, unfortunately, many risks associated with canine wound-licking. The huge amount of bacteria inside a dog’s mouth, harmless in there, can cause infections in wounds.

Licking friction can also lead to tissue damage, once again increasing infection risk, or opening the skin to debris that slows healing.

For dogs who have had surgery, licking wounds can cause sutures to reopen.

Prevention

Here are ways to prevent dogs from licking their wounds:

• Use an E-collar to keep them from getting at it. This is especially good for post-surgery wounds.
• Wrap minor wounds in bandages to prevent dogs from licking them.
• For very small cuts, distract your dog with toys or treats to prevent them from licking.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay