Dogs can develop a wound. It’s not uncommon. Most wounds heal with the proper care. But the one thing pet parents struggle with is stopping their dog from licking a wound. Here are some tips on what to do if your dog licks pus or wounds.
The main reason why a dog licks pus or wounds is for comfort. The licking feels soothing because it stimulates the brain and numbs the pain. It’s the same reason you rub your head when you have a headache. Because dogs don’t have hands, they use their tongues to lick pus in wounds.
Experts also believe that a dog may lick a wound instinctively. After all, as any dog owner will tell you pooches will lick anything and everything, from their privates to your hands and even air.
It’s a misconception that allowing your dog to lick a wound is helpful or will speed up healing. There may be some minor benefits to dogs licking their wounds, but the problem is that most dogs will do it excessively and that can cause complications.
Dog saliva contains antibacterial compounds that can help keep a wound clean and uninfected. However, this effect is small, if any. And while the licking may reduce some types of bacteria in your dog’s wound, it could introduce other harmful bacteria. For this reason, it’s best to discourage a dog licking pus or wounds.
If you allow your dog to lick an infected wound with pus, it could introduce other bacteria into the wound and worsen the infection. This may delay healing and cause other complications.
Moreover, excessive licking of a wound can cause irritation of the skin surrounding the wound. This can result in the wound becoming larger or failing to heal on time. Some dogs lick their wounds to the point of reopening healed wounds.
Here are some strategies that usually work well in stopping a dog licking pus:
Use an Elizabethan collar or E-collar, also called the cone of shame. You can get a standard hard plastic cone or softer ones that are more comfortable. Make sure the cone is at least 2 inches longer than your dog’s muzzle for it to be effective.
Give your dog an inflatable collar to prevent them from licking pus. This is not only more comfortable for your dog to wear compared to an E-collar, but also more convenient for you because your dog is less likely to run into things. However, inflatable collars don’t work well for some wounds, for example, paw wounds.
Dress your dog in a T-shirt to cover belly or chest wounds and prevent licking of pus. Use socks or booties for wounds on the paws.
Check with your vet about wound recovery apparel for your dog. These are special items of clothing designed to cover just about any part of a dog’s body and can stop a dog from licking pus.
Your veterinarian may be able to give you wound dressings to protect the wound from reopening and stop your dog licking pus.
Common signs of infection include redness, swelling, discharge or pus, reopening of a healed wound, and delayed healing.
We hope you found this information helpful. Stay tuned to the Puppy Hero blog for more such posts. In the meantime, read about possible reasons your dog’s eye is swollen.
08 February, 2023