It's important to know that although wound licking can remove some debris, it can also cause adverse reactions. This is especially true for large wounds.
Keep an eye on your pet and try to make sure they heal their wounds without any interference. It's easier said than done, I know. But there are some tricks that can make it a little bit easier. Here's a way to stop your dog from licking its wounds.
Why do dogs lick their own wounds?
Let's first look at the reasons why your dog is licking its wounds. Understanding why your dog is licking the wound can make the recovery process easier. You'll understand what to look for, and why they are so determined to get to it.
Wound licking occurs in dogs and many other animals. They use their mouths to try and clean wounds. Since they can't reach the medicine cabinet to grab some disinfectant they have to use their mouth. They know no other way to heal themselves.
Why licking your lips? Saliva contains beneficial substances that can promote healing. This protein, tissue-factor can promote blood clotting. Opiorphin is also found in dog saliva. This substance has a pain-relieving effect.
In the past, we used dogs to heal our wounds. Egyptians thought that being licked on an open sore by a dog could help in healing and cure certain illnesses. In ancient Greece, the dogs that guarded the shrine of Aesculapius were taught to lick their patients. In Armenian culture, Aralezes are dog-like spirits or creatures that descend from the skies to lick wounds so the dead can be resurrected.
Modern medicine has made it so that we no longer use these methods, but our pets still do. While licking small wounds is not a big deal for your dog, it can be a serious problem when the wounds are larger and deeper.
The dangers of wound licking
While some bacteria found in dog saliva may be helpful to healing, licking can cause negative reactions and slow down the healing process. can cause harmful pathogens to enter a wound when licking. This risk is greater with large wounds.
Licking your dog can cause their surgical wound to reopen. This increases the risk of infection including secondary infections and damage to tissue.
How to Stop your dog from licking their wounds
You have several options when it comes to preventing your dog from licking his wounds. These range from the traditional E collar to distraction techniques. Let's look at each method and see what it has to offer.
Elizabethan Collar
The Elizabethan Collar, also known as the cone-of-shame or ecollar and not to be confused with a training collar that uses electricity, is a medical device used to prevent animals from licking their wounds or scratching them. The cone is a flexible plastic cone attached to the collar or neck of your dog. It acts as a barrier.
Your veterinarian will likely send an e-collar home with your dog if it is having surgery. Ask your vet about any questions you may have regarding the collar. This includes how often it should be worn and if it is okay to remove it during feeding. Remember to follow your vet's instructions on how long the collar should be worn to allow for a safe recovery period for your pet.
If you are buying an e-collar for yourself, it is important that you get the right size. The cone should be long enough for your dog to be able to drink and eat, but not too short so that their mouth can reach the wound. Also make sure that the collar can be tightened to the point that you won't be allowed to move out.
This is the most reliable way to prevent your dog from getting into a wound, especially when it's a stubborn dog. An e-collar will be the best option if your dog is to be left unattended for any length of time.
Con: Can make it difficult for dogs to navigate around the home and eat and drink.
How to help your dog adjust to wearing an E-Collar
It's never fun to help your dog get used to an e-collar. I also feel guilty. Although they are restrictive, this is why they are the best option to prevent your dog from licking its wounds. Remember that the e-collar is only temporary and in your dog's best interest. This prevents the dog from accidentally causing an infection or reopening their wound, which could delay healing.
As the cone is wider than their heads and restricts their peripheral view, it's common for dogs to bump against things while they are adjusting to wearing it. Make sure your dog can comfortably navigate the house. Remember to encourage your dog as they learn to navigate around the house.
You will also need to adjust your dog to eating or to drinking. You'll need to move your dog bowls if they are next to a wall so that your dog won't hit the wall every time he tries to eat. Your dog's e collar may rub on the edge of the bowl when it tries to eat, depending on which one you use. Try using a shallower bowl or adjusting its height to see if it helps. If this doesn't help, you can take off their e collar when it is time to eat. Remember to put it on again when you're finished.
After a few days, dogs will get used to the e-collar. However, if you have a dog that is very upset or anxious, it may be worth considering an inflatable collar, which is less intrusive.
Soft or Inflatable E-Collars
You can choose a inflatable e-collar if you don't like the traditional e collars. These e-collars are similar to traditional e collars but not as restrictive.
Remember that the collars will not stop your dog from licking small wounds on his paws or leg. If you can watch your dog, they might be an option. But make sure that the collar is restrictive enough before leaving it alone.
Depending how flexible your pet is and where the wound is located, inflatable collars can be as effective as plastic ones in preventing your dog's injury from being messed with.
Con: Although they are more comfortable than an e-collar made of plastic, they will not be able restrict your dog's access to an incision that is ‘easy to get to' such as the one on their leg.
T-Shirt
If your dog has an incision on its belly or side, a t-shirt is a great option to keep them from licking their wounds. The effectiveness of an inflatable e collar depends on the dog and whether or not you are around to supervise it.
A tee-shirt would be a bad idea if you are going to leave your dog alone for a long time while you are at work. They can easily move around in a tee-shirt. For evening cuddles, or for walks with your dog, they are a good option. They're not as uncomfortable as an e-collar.
A t-shirt has one disadvantage: it must be changed more often than an e collar, if it becomes wet. If you are going to be at home with your dog while they recover, and can watch them to ensure they don't remove the shirt, this can be an effective, less restrictive solution.
Pros Less restrictive than an e-collar and great for periods when the dog is supervised.
Cons: They are not as strict as electronic collars and should not be used when your dog is alone at home.
Distraction Techniques to Use When You're With Others
Give your dog something to do while they are recovering, like a kong stuffed with stuffing.
Kongs can be a great way to help your dog recover from surgery because they do not require them to move. If your dog has just had surgery, you won't need to worry about him playing rough or irritating the incision. You can also freeze treats to keep your dog entertained for longer.
This is a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated while they are recovering.
Cons A toy or distracting method on its own is not reliable enough to guarantee that they will leave their wounds alone. Use only under supervision.