If you’ve ever had a wound cleaned by your dog, you know how painful it can be. Unfortunately, this habit is highly likely to cause more problems than it solves, including infection and a potential reopening of the wound. It can also cause your dog to chew out sutures, exposing internal organs. In such a case, you must seek medical treatment for your dog’s licking habits.
Canine saliva contains compounds that help to clean wounds
Dogs’ saliva has healed wounds for centuries. Ancient Greeks used dogs to lick patients’ wounds. Caesar’s army used canine wound-licking dogs ( Myth ). Human, dog, and cat saliva all contain antibacterial compounds. The antibacterial agents do not act like magic, however. Although saliva contains antibacterial agents, bacteria still thrive. So, while dog saliva has some antibacterial properties, these qualities do not mean it can cure wounds.
It resists the growth of infectious bacteria
Some people claim dogs should be allowed to lick their wounds, believing that canine saliva contains antiseptic properties. However, it does not resist the growth of infectious bacteria, and licking trauma is detrimental to wound healing. Your veterinarian can determine the proper treatment for your dog.
It accelerates wound healing
A common misconception about dogs is that they are not good at healing wounds. While this may be true for wild animals, it is inappropriate for our pets. Dogs’ licking of wounds can do more harm than good. The saliva contains something that helps break down bacteria and promote healthy cell growth. In addition, excessive loss of injuries can lead to tissue damage and secondary infections.
It’s an instinct in dogs
Dogs lick wounds for several physiological reasons. Licking reduces pain and promotes healing but can do more harm than good. Dogs and other animals are programmed to clean their wounds by licking them. Because dogs’ tongues are the only tools at their disposal, they often lick wounds to promote healing.
It’s a waste of time
The antibacterial effects of canine saliva are minimal. It may have adverse effects. Dogs’ oral cavity contains billions and hundreds of bacterial species, some of which can cause infections. Moreover, licking a wound may reopen an old injury. In addition, friction caused by licking a wound can break down tissue, leaving the damage open to infection.
It puts you at risk
While dog saliva contains healing properties, it also has bacteria that may put you at risk of infection. One such bacteria is Pasteurella, which lives in places with insufficient air. While this bacterium is usually harmless, it can adversely affect your wound. Therefore, if you let your dog lick your injuries, you risk infection. To reduce the risk, use an antibacterial cream or apply a bandage.
It helps your dog communicate with you
While you can’t speak the same language as your dog, they can understand body language and human voice tone. That is because dogs are intelligent and can catch up on many human signals, including tone of voice; for example, studies conducted by the University of Lyon show that adult dogs responded to the sound of high-pitched voices while low-pitched ones showed no response. As a result, your dog can learn the language of human play. Schlüsseldienst Berlin Friedrichshain shared their experiences for the article.
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