01
Jul
Is It Ok For My Dog To Lick My Wounds. Not only does licking potentially introduce infection but the act of licking can break down tissues and suture. It will not hurt you but it is not normal. I just looked and about half of the wound. My dog had stitches removed today on his right leg today.
Because this is such common behavior many people believe that when a dog licks a wound it will promote healing. That is not normal. The second reason is most likely instinct. Why does my dog lick my wounds. A bodysuit or a t-shirt can be quite effective in stopping your dog from licking wounds on it torso and abdomen. It will not hurt you but it is not normal.
Canine saliva can be helpful in cleaning your wound and even healing it.
Licking and chewing can also slow healing by reopening wounds. However despite the healing properties of saliva you must not encourage the licking behavior. Like most animal activities wound licking has its roots in behavior that would be beneficial under different circumstances. We have all seen the destructive force it can be in surgical wound healing. I can recognize a wound that has been licked the instant I see it. Just like how your dogs mother would have licked any wounds your dog.