My dog has licked its wound, what should I do

Written by Indy | July 28, 2025

The chances of your dog getting a wound at some point in its life are high. This could be due to an accident, but it could also be a surgical wound. For example, think of the wound after neutering.

Do dogs have cleaner tongues than humans?

Got a small cut? Let your dog “clean” it! You’ve probably heard this before — but is it actually true? The answer is: partly. It has been shown that a dog’s saliva contains certain enzymes that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms. However, the downsides outweigh this potential benefit, so it’s better not to let your dog lick your wound.

The same goes for when your dog has a wound of its own. Try to prevent them from licking it.

Why do dogs like to lick wounds?

Dogs like to lick wounds because it’s part of their natural instinct. It activates a chemical in the brain called serotonin, which makes your dog feel more at ease.

What are the risks if your dog licks its wounds?

There are several risks when your dog licks its wounds. Licking can introduce bacteria into the wound, which may lead to infection. It can also cause stitches to dissolve prematurely or come loose, potentially reopening the wound. The same applies to licking off scabs that have already formed. This significantly slows down the healing process and may even worsen the wound.

What should I do if my dog has licked its wound?

If your dog has licked its wound, it’s best to clean and disinfect it using a product like Betadine. Also make sure your dog can’t reach the wound again by putting on a protective collar or a recovery shirt.

If your dog has licked a stitched surgical wound and the stitches are still intact, you can monitor it for a while and disinfect the area if necessary. If the stitches come loose, contact your vet. Again, prevent further licking by using a collar or protective shirt.

Also read our blog: ‘How long should a dog wear a recovery shirt after surgery?’

Do you have any questions about wounds in dogs? Feel free to contact us at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.