12
Jan
Why Do Dogs Lick Open Wounds. The idea that dogs need to lick wounds in order for them to heal is so pervasive that many people. Many people have the mistaken belief that dogs saliva is somehow antiseptic. The act of licking wounds is an instinctive behavior that is common among most canids including dogs. If you catch.
Humans too have a reflex to lick or suck on any cuts they suffer think about the first thing you do when you get a paper cut. And of course their saliva contains enzymes etc. For dogs licking wounds is like you rubbing your head if you hit it. Thats all they can do. Dogs instinctively lick wounds. Whatever the reason may be it is a very important behavior for a.
Anyone who has ever lived with or around dogs knows that.
There are also other reasons a dog may lick your wound. When dogs lick their own wounds sometimes it can be because they want to tear open their stitches or the wound is bothering them. Lactoferrin and other antibacterial and anti-viral compounds can also be found in saliva. They are trying to clean your wound and accelerate the healing process. For dogs licking wounds is like you rubbing your head if you hit it. Allowing pet cats to lick open wounds can cause cellulitis and sepsis due to bacterial infections.