Licking can encourage infections. Typically I discourage licking. If it's a bad injury, they get a cone.
Regarding the licking of wounds
Where do you guys stand on this? Do you feel licking is okay cuz it's 'natural' or the other end of the spectrum where you feel you need to keep the dog from licking its wounds entirely with an e-collar, etc?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Inquiring minds want to know.
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
Licking can also discourage infection. I would not permit obsessive licking (more worried about mechanical damage/granuloma than infection), but would see no reason to prevent the normal occasional licking to clean and soothe an injury.Licking can encourage infections. Typically I discourage licking. If it's a bad injury, they get a cone.
It depends on the type of bacteria that is present and the amount of licking that is being done. While canine saliva is bactricidal, it acts as such only towards E.Coli and Strep. Staph and psuedomonas are not covered..and it is possible for the licking of a wound to cause one of these 2 types of infection.
Just like with anything else there is always a risk, and it's up to the individual if you feel comfortable with. I always e-collar Nina because she is obsessive about wound licking. She simply will not stop unless there is a physical barrier.
Just like with anything else there is always a risk, and it's up to the individual if you feel comfortable with. I always e-collar Nina because she is obsessive about wound licking. She simply will not stop unless there is a physical barrier.
My childhood dog started licking her right forelimb one day and never stopped until it was raw and the muscle was visible. The vet said it was an attention issue since my mom and dad were going through a divorce good old jenny the doby wasnt getting the attention she needed so she was smart enough to to realize that she got attention from my dad when she was "hurt". this was a case of passified licking, it was caused due to emotional neglect. She was older so they ran her throught the battery of tests and there were no underlying issues.
This went on for 4 years until her leg kept getting infected and she would catch her E collar on the corner of the wall to bend it so she could break it and rip it up when we were no home. Ultimately she was euthenized at 19 when her body couldnt take the infection she had caused from licking. I miss her terribly but she would be almost 40 years old right now if she were still around lol!
According to the vet at OHSU some dobermans show a strong propensity to this action when they arent getting something they think they need in life.
I dont like over licking because yes it does cause problems, and a dog can become obsessed with the issue to where it can ultimately do harm to itself unintentionally.
This went on for 4 years until her leg kept getting infected and she would catch her E collar on the corner of the wall to bend it so she could break it and rip it up when we were no home. Ultimately she was euthenized at 19 when her body couldnt take the infection she had caused from licking. I miss her terribly but she would be almost 40 years old right now if she were still around lol!
According to the vet at OHSU some dobermans show a strong propensity to this action when they arent getting something they think they need in life.
I dont like over licking because yes it does cause problems, and a dog can become obsessed with the issue to where it can ultimately do harm to itself unintentionally.
Nina, interesting what you said about the different bacteria types; I had no idea.
Well what would you consider a bad injury? I mean, a while back my dog got a cut on his front leg, right below that other pad up the leg a bit(what's that one called?)...while on one hand it appeared rather deep, it was not long before it stopped bleeding.Licking can encourage infections. Typically I discourage licking. If it's a bad injury, they get a cone.
At what point does a cut require stitches?
How bad is bad enough? That is a judgement call. If there is cut, torn or punctured muscle tissue under the skin, the dog needs to see a vet to get these areas cleaned, assessed and antibiotics. If just the skin is cut and it's not much over an inch, I might let the dog clean the wound and I will watch it. When you are getting much over an inch you are looking at stitches, less if you want to prevent a scar. Of course heavy bleeding or bleeding that doesnt stop means a vet trip. Hope I covered it all.
Just an FYI:
The Affectionate Behavior of Dogs Helps Heal Wounds:
The Affectionate Behavior of Dogs Helps Heal Wounds
When dogs lick their loved ones it is their way of showing care and affection, as when a mother dog lovingly licks her pups or when dogs lick their masters. However, some people dislike being licked by dogs and believe incorrectly that canine saliva is unhygienic. On the contrary, since it contains antibacterial substances, the saliva of a healthy dog is harmless and actually has healing properties. In fact, the science magazine Alaska Science Forum recently published an article entitled “Dog Saliva: the Next Wonder Drug?” which discusses a 1990 experiment by University of California researchers who found that dog saliva killed the harmful bacteria E. coli and Streptococcus canes.
Moreover, a study by Nigel Benjamin of the St. Bartholomew's and Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry revealed that human saliva contains significant levels of nitrite (NO2), which can be converted into nitric oxide, another powerful antimicrobial agent. In Benjamin’s experiment fourteen healthy subjects were instructed to lick their hands "all over" and then the amount of synthesized nitric oxide on their skin was measured. It was found that as a result of the licking, nitric oxide levels increased sharply, suggesting that "nitric oxide derived from salivary nitrite applied to the skin contributes to the antimicrobial effects of wound licking."
On a related note, the following amazing story about how a dog helped heal his owner’s severely atrophied leg appeared on icWales, a UK news website.
Mitch Bonham, owner of a Jack Russell Terrier named Milo, had surgery after a debilitating industrial accident, and although the operation was successful, while recovering he developed a condition known as Sudeck’s Atrophy whereby “his nerves became traumatized and his leg became discolored and began to wither.” Thus Mr. Bonham’s medical consultant told him that his leg might need to be amputated, but faithful Milo helped save his master's leg by continuously licking the wounded limb for hours at a time. After five weeks of this “dog’s licking therapy,” Mr. Bonham felt his leg come alive again and found that he was able to move his leg muscles. The consultant was astounded and realized that Milo had helped stimulate the nerves in his master’s leg and thus healed it.
Milo was extremely faithful and patient, giving Mr. Bonham unconditional love by instinctively licking the withering limb even though its rotten smell was almost unbearable. This beautiful example of a pure-hearted animal’s love in action is something we humans can all learn from. ♥
The Amazing Healing Power Of Dog Saliva!
The Amazing Healing Power Of Dog Saliva - Dog Health Care
Back before modern medicines to disinfect, heal wounds and rid us of bacteria, oddly enough dogs did just fine by nursing their injuries to health with the use of their tongue.
People have known for many years now, that dogs always lick their wounds when they get injured. Now researchers are even stating something stranger. Their research has showed the dogs' licking can even prove to be something good for humans as well.
This may sound completely crazy even though having your dog licking your cuts and scratches can be unappealing. The fact is that research shows that dog saliva that comes directly from your dogs mouth can contain mild bacteria effect when placed in an open wound.
Speaking Of Bacteria...
Have you ever wondered if a dog can catch the human cold? Many people do. You may have noticed that your dog has probably never gotten sick when you and your other family members were experiencing a heavy case of the flu or a nagging cold, and the germs are saturated throughout the household.
If this is the case, then why didn't your dog get sick? The answer goes back to the properties contained in your dog's saliva. Everything that a dog ingests into his system will come through his nose and his mouth. And because of the antibacterial effect that his saliva has on incoming foreign bodies, these germs are literally wiped away before they can enter into his system. In addition, it is extremely rare for the same viruses to be passed from one species to another.
The only exception to this rule is when a person is experiencing an extremely damaged immune system. Viruses such as HIV and cancer patients are such examples. It is these people that may be prone to possibly catching a virus or other type of sickness from an animal. But remember, this is extremely rare and there is no need to worry unless you are categorized in the above weakened immune system scenario.
The Affectionate Behavior of Dogs Helps Heal Wounds:
The Affectionate Behavior of Dogs Helps Heal Wounds
When dogs lick their loved ones it is their way of showing care and affection, as when a mother dog lovingly licks her pups or when dogs lick their masters. However, some people dislike being licked by dogs and believe incorrectly that canine saliva is unhygienic. On the contrary, since it contains antibacterial substances, the saliva of a healthy dog is harmless and actually has healing properties. In fact, the science magazine Alaska Science Forum recently published an article entitled “Dog Saliva: the Next Wonder Drug?” which discusses a 1990 experiment by University of California researchers who found that dog saliva killed the harmful bacteria E. coli and Streptococcus canes.
Moreover, a study by Nigel Benjamin of the St. Bartholomew's and Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry revealed that human saliva contains significant levels of nitrite (NO2), which can be converted into nitric oxide, another powerful antimicrobial agent. In Benjamin’s experiment fourteen healthy subjects were instructed to lick their hands "all over" and then the amount of synthesized nitric oxide on their skin was measured. It was found that as a result of the licking, nitric oxide levels increased sharply, suggesting that "nitric oxide derived from salivary nitrite applied to the skin contributes to the antimicrobial effects of wound licking."
On a related note, the following amazing story about how a dog helped heal his owner’s severely atrophied leg appeared on icWales, a UK news website.
Mitch Bonham, owner of a Jack Russell Terrier named Milo, had surgery after a debilitating industrial accident, and although the operation was successful, while recovering he developed a condition known as Sudeck’s Atrophy whereby “his nerves became traumatized and his leg became discolored and began to wither.” Thus Mr. Bonham’s medical consultant told him that his leg might need to be amputated, but faithful Milo helped save his master's leg by continuously licking the wounded limb for hours at a time. After five weeks of this “dog’s licking therapy,” Mr. Bonham felt his leg come alive again and found that he was able to move his leg muscles. The consultant was astounded and realized that Milo had helped stimulate the nerves in his master’s leg and thus healed it.
Milo was extremely faithful and patient, giving Mr. Bonham unconditional love by instinctively licking the withering limb even though its rotten smell was almost unbearable. This beautiful example of a pure-hearted animal’s love in action is something we humans can all learn from. ♥
The Amazing Healing Power Of Dog Saliva!
The Amazing Healing Power Of Dog Saliva - Dog Health Care
Back before modern medicines to disinfect, heal wounds and rid us of bacteria, oddly enough dogs did just fine by nursing their injuries to health with the use of their tongue.
People have known for many years now, that dogs always lick their wounds when they get injured. Now researchers are even stating something stranger. Their research has showed the dogs' licking can even prove to be something good for humans as well.
This may sound completely crazy even though having your dog licking your cuts and scratches can be unappealing. The fact is that research shows that dog saliva that comes directly from your dogs mouth can contain mild bacteria effect when placed in an open wound.
Speaking Of Bacteria...
Have you ever wondered if a dog can catch the human cold? Many people do. You may have noticed that your dog has probably never gotten sick when you and your other family members were experiencing a heavy case of the flu or a nagging cold, and the germs are saturated throughout the household.
If this is the case, then why didn't your dog get sick? The answer goes back to the properties contained in your dog's saliva. Everything that a dog ingests into his system will come through his nose and his mouth. And because of the antibacterial effect that his saliva has on incoming foreign bodies, these germs are literally wiped away before they can enter into his system. In addition, it is extremely rare for the same viruses to be passed from one species to another.
The only exception to this rule is when a person is experiencing an extremely damaged immune system. Viruses such as HIV and cancer patients are such examples. It is these people that may be prone to possibly catching a virus or other type of sickness from an animal. But remember, this is extremely rare and there is no need to worry unless you are categorized in the above weakened immune system scenario.
My dog isn't running around in the forest trying to stay alive with wounds.
I'm not talking about obsessive licking (lick granuloma) with which I am far too familiar.
I'm talking about the allergic paw pad rip, or the between the paws irritation, that can go on forever, if you let the dog keep going at it.
Keep it clean and dry, and vet when necessary. Don't let your dog sit there and lick at it continually.
I'm not talking about obsessive licking (lick granuloma) with which I am far too familiar.
I'm talking about the allergic paw pad rip, or the between the paws irritation, that can go on forever, if you let the dog keep going at it.
Keep it clean and dry, and vet when necessary. Don't let your dog sit there and lick at it continually.
When my female comes in from running around in the yard.I do a body check because a few years ago I found a tick on her and I went crazy!! She hurt her paw not long ago and I soaked it in salts, put some A&D on it and the next evening it looked good.I look at what she is licking to make sure I put some A&D on it if needed.
The pad mid-way up the leg is called the Stopper Pad. It helps protect the back of the dog's wrist joint from abrasion during a gallop. 
A little bit of both. A couple of times this summer, Elka had a scraped paw pad, or a tiny cut between her toes, and I let her lick it for a bit, and then told her enough. Really, the wounds, if you can call them that, looked healthy, healed up quick, and I didn't let her worry at it enough to keep them going.
For something bigger, I'd guess I would keep her from licking, if only because sometimes it seems she doesn't know when to stop. I might be the one in the wrong, but I'm the human, and the worrier :doctor:
For something bigger, I'd guess I would keep her from licking, if only because sometimes it seems she doesn't know when to stop. I might be the one in the wrong, but I'm the human, and the worrier :doctor:
That is interesting. Doctors have always told me dog bites are some of the worst things for humans becuase of all the bacteria in a dog's mouth. I got bit on the thigh over 11 years ago and the surgeon couldn't/didnt want to stitch the wound tight and neat because of the possibility of bacteria/infection issues. I was put on high doses of antibiotics (and pain meds thank GOODNESSPeople have known for many years now, that dogs always lick their wounds when they get injured. Now researchers are even stating something stranger. Their research has showed the dogs' licking can even prove to be something good for humans as well.
This may sound completely crazy even though having your dog licking your cuts and scratches can be unappealing. The fact is that research shows that dog saliva that comes directly from your dogs mouth can contain mild bacteria effect when placed in an open wound.
)I also accidently got bit a few years ago holding a chicken quarter for a dog to eat (yes STUPD). I turned to talk to hubby, my shoulders rotated and my arm moved inside the mouth and crunch went my finger. The doctors were most worried about infection and again I was on strong antibiotics.
I have read some of the research and do believe that licking is natures way of cleaning wounds, removing foreign objects, and fighting infection, but..
Dogs can pick up, chew, and eat gross, putrid, bacteria contaminated things they find, like feces or a dead animal or whatever. Even if their mouths are generally clean, at times they can come close to a komodo dragon.
Dogs can pick up, chew, and eat gross, putrid, bacteria contaminated things they find, like feces or a dead animal or whatever. Even if their mouths are generally clean, at times they can come close to a komodo dragon.
Personally I discourage both of mine from licking. Simon is an obsessive licker and allowing him to lick anything quickly can turn into a lick granuloma. Shanoa also shows some signs of obsessive licking so I discourage that. So far, thank goodness, she's been good about that.
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