22
Sep
Is It Bad To Let A Dog Lick Your Wounds. Despite the suggestion that there may be bactericidal benefits the trauma caused by the friction of licking is destructive to the healing process. When dogs lick their own wounds. There is a common folk belief that animal saliva especially that of dogs has healing properties for human wounds. This could cause an infection in your cut and it may not be the healthiest for your dog either.
Humans too have a reflex to lick or suck on any cuts. Your best bet on a wound is to consult a veterinarian for your dog or physician for you. There are also other reasons a dog may lick your wound. Were taught at an early age that getting bitten by a dog could be bad news especially when it comes to rabies but dog licks didnt come with the same warning. If your dog has a minor superficial scrape allowing your dog to lick it for a minute is probably fine. Your veterinarian tells you to avoid letting your pets lick the faces of the family.
I am a veterinary technician and even when a dog has a wound we place an Elizabethan collar on them so they can not lick it which cause more infection.
It isnt a good idea to let your dog lick your wounds and it really isnt a good idea to let him lick his own. There is a common folk belief that animal saliva especially that of dogs has healing properties for human wounds. However if your dog wont let up with the licking problems can start fast. If your dog has a significant wound or a surgical site licking should be prohibited. Yet recent research suggests that the ancient practice of dog licking may indeed aid wound healing. You might not have known it before but lots of animals are able to detect when your hormones are changing or balancing out.