Do Dogs Really Heal Themselves by Licking Their Wounds? The Surprising Truth

Ever watched your furry friend obsessively licking a cut or scrape and wondered if they’re actually helping themselves heal? You’re not alone! As a dog parent for over a decade, I’ve asked myself this same question countless times. Let’s dive into this fascinating canine behavior and separate fact from fiction.

The Ancient Belief: Dog Saliva as Medicine

The idea that dogs can heal wounds through licking isn’t new. This belief dates back to ancient Egypt and continued through Grecian times eventually becoming embedded in folk culture. Many people, including ancient societies believed dog saliva could heal not just canine wounds but human ones too!

But is there any truth to this age-old belief? Well, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

The Science Behind Dog Saliva: Healing Properties

Surprisingly, scientific evidence does suggest that dog saliva contains some beneficial properties:

• Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties: Dog saliva has been shown to be slightly bactericidal against certain bacteria, including E. coli and Streptococcus canis.

• Histatins: These are proteins found in saliva that can ward off infection and prompt skin cells to close wounds more quickly.

• Nitrite When it contacts skin, nitrite breaks down into nitric oxide which can help protect cuts from infections.

• Nerve growth factor: This protein found in saliva can speed up wound healing.

The mechanical action of licking also helps remove dirt and debris from wounds Think of it as nature’s way of cleaning a cut before the days of antiseptic wipes and hydrogen peroxide!

When Licking Does More Harm Than Good

Despite these benefits, in today’s world, the downsides of wound licking often outweigh the upsides:

Physical Damage

Excessive licking can:

• Irritate the wound area
• Lead to hot spots
• Cause infections
• Potentially result in self-mutilation
• Reopen wounds and break down sutures
• Slow down the healing process

One veterinarian I spoke with said, “I’ve seen more wounds made worse by licking than made better. That’s why we send dogs home with the cone of shame after surgery.”

Bacterial Infections

While dog saliva has some antibacterial properties, it also contains numerous bacteria that can cause serious infections. Some cases reported in humans who allowed dogs to lick their wounds include:

• A woman who lost fingers, toes, and a leg after her dog licked a small burn
• A man who developed acute kidney infection from bacteria introduced by his dog licking a hand wound
• A case of meningitis that developed after a dog licked a man’s ear following a perforated eardrum

These extreme cases highlight why modern medicine has far surpassed saliva for wound treatment.

Modern Alternatives to Licking

For your pup’s wounds, consider these better alternatives:

• Veterinary antiseptic products: These are specifically designed for canine wound care
• Proper wound cleaning: Gently wash wounds, thoroughly rinse, and pat dry
• Appropriate bandages: Especially important for active dogs
• First-aid kits: Keep a canine first-aid kit with wound care products on hand

Remember that wounds need oxygen to heal and require constant blood flow to the site, so any bandages should not be too tight.

When Your Dog Won’t Stop Licking

If your dog insists on licking despite your best efforts, try these solutions:

• Paw bandages: For dogs licking paws, try specially designed paw bandages or even your socks wrapped with surgical tape
• T-shirts: A simple T-shirt can cover a wound while still letting air reach it
• Recovery suits: These can be purchased and some fold up or snap out of the way for bathroom breaks
• Dog cones or recovery collars: Veterinarians agree these are the only guaranteed way to protect a wound from licking

When to See a Vet

While minor scrapes might be manageable at home, certain wounds require professional attention:

• Deep penetrating wounds
• Wounds that won’t stop bleeding
• Signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus)
• Any wound near the eyes or genital areas
• Puncture wounds, which can trap bacteria deep in tissue

I remember when my Lab mix, Bailey, got a deep cut on his paw pad during a hike. I initially thought it would heal on its own, but his persistent licking made it worse. The vet visit we eventually made saved us from what could have become a serious infection.

The Bottom Line: Modern Medicine Beats Licking

While dog saliva does contain some healing properties, and the instinct to lick wounds served dogs well before modern veterinary medicine, today we have far better options. The risk of infection and delayed healing from excessive licking outweighs the minimal benefits.

As Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer, advises, “Avoid putting your dog at risk by keeping a first-aid kit with wound care products on hand. When possible, discourage your dog from licking.”

Common Questions About Dogs Licking Wounds

Is it normal for dogs to lick their wounds?

Yes, this is a completely normal and instinctive behavior. Dogs, like many mammals, instinctively attend to their wounds by licking them. The degree to which they approach this task varies widely between individual dogs.

Can I let my dog lick my wounds?

Despite the folk wisdom suggesting this might be beneficial, modern medical knowledge strongly advises against it. The bacteria in dog saliva can cause serious infections in humans, some of which have led to severe complications including amputations.

How can I tell if my dog’s wound is infected?

Look for these signs:

• Increased redness or swelling
• Warm to the touch
• Discharge (especially yellow or green)
• Foul odor
• Your dog showing signs of pain or increased licking
• Lethargy or fever

What should I put on my dog’s wound instead of letting them lick it?

Always consult your vet first, but generally:

• Clean the wound gently with mild antiseptic solution recommended by your vet
• Apply vet-approved topical treatments
• Cover with appropriate bandaging if needed
• Use an E-collar (cone) if necessary to prevent licking

My Personal Experience

I’ve owned three dogs in my life, and each one approached wounds differently. My border collie would give a cut a few cursory licks and move on. My Lab mix would lick obsessively until we intervened. And my current pup, a terrier mix, seems to find the perfect middle ground—she’ll clean a small scrape but knows when to stop.

This has taught me that while the instinct to lick is universal among dogs, how they express it varies greatly. It’s our job as responsible pet parents to step in when that natural behavior might cause more harm than good.

Final Thoughts

So, do dogs heal themselves by licking? The answer is complicated. In a natural setting with minor wounds and limited medical options, licking provided some benefits. But in today’s world, with access to proper veterinary care and wound treatment products, licking often causes more problems than it solves.

The next time your pup gets injured, honor their instinct but provide better alternatives. Clean the wound properly, apply appropriate treatment, and if necessary, use a barrier like a cone to prevent excessive licking. Your dog might not thank you in the moment (especially for the cone!), but their faster healing time will be thanks enough.

Remember, our dogs rely on us to make the best healthcare decisions for them, even when those decisions go against their natural instincts. After all, that’s what being a good pet parent is all about!