Your Dog Licking a Wound Too Much Could Be a Sign of Trouble

When a dog gets a cut, scrape or surgical stitch their first instinct might is to lick it because after all, dogs have been doing this for centuries. Many pet owners believe licking helps wounds heal because a dog’s saliva contains some mild antibacterial properties. While there is some truth to that, excessive licking does more harm than good. What may start as instinctive grooming quickly turns into irritation, infection and delayed healing.

Dogs lick their wounds for two main reasons, that is, instinct and soothing behavior. Mother dogs lick their puppies to clean and care for them and adult dogs continue this habit as part of natural grooming.
Licking also offers temporary relief by stimulating nerves around the wound which reduces discomfort for a moment.
While light licking of a superficial wound may not immediately cause harm but it rarely stays light and that is where the trouble begins.


Though saliva has trace of antibacterial enzymes, it also contains a lot of bacteria. When a dog continues licking the same wound the bacteria from their mouth enters the injured tissue creating the perfect situation for infection.
Other complications include:

• Reopening stitches or scabs
• Prolonging recovery from surgery
• Creating moist, inflamed hot spots
• Causing hair loss around the area
• Developing chronic lick sores that do not heal because the dog continues licking

What starts as a small wound turns into a stubborn infection needing antibiotics, dressings or even another veterinary procedure.

• Increasing redness or swelling in the wound
• Constant wetness or missing fur around the site
• Oozing pus or a bad smell
• Bleeding that restarts after it had stopped
• Your dog growling, whining or reacting painfully when touched
• Limping or guarding the area

These signs mean it is time to see a vet.


Stopping the licking early prevents complications. Here are proven methods:

• Elizabethan Collar (E-Collar or Cone)

A traditional cone prevents the dog from physically reaching the wound. It may look uncomfortable but it is reliable.

• Soft or Inflatable Collars

These are more comfortable alternatives when the wound is not in a hard-to-reach spot.

• Bandaging the Wound

Not all wounds should be covered so only do this with guidance or after a vet visit to avoid trapping moisture.

• Anti-Lick Sprays

Bitter sprays discourage licking but only use veterinarian approved products especially around open wounds.

• Distraction

Puzzle toys, chew sticks, gentle exercise or calming routines help redirect obsessive licking behavior.

Licking may be natural but it is not always helpful. Too much licking slows healing, causes infections and turns a small injury into a major issue. By monitoring the wound, preventing over-licking and acting quickly if something looks wrong, the dog recovers faster and more comfortably.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 4 stages of wound healing in dogs?
   A dogs' wound goes through 4 stages of healing, that is, Inflammation, Debridement, Repair and Maturation.
2. What spray stops dogs from licking wounds?
   Bitter Apple Spray works best to prevent a dog from licking.
3. Can I leave coconut oil on my dog overnight?
   Leaving coconut oil on overnight increases the chances your dog will lick it off.