What Is Wound Licking?

Wound licking is a practice that is engaged in by most mammals, including primates, which involves the repeated licking of an injury or wound. This can can have both positive and negative consequences. Many pet owners are familiar with wound licking since it can become a serious problem for an injured pet. Usually it must be controlled to minimize damage due to excessive licking by cats, dogs and other animals.

On the positive side, saliva has been found to contain certain components that actively fight infection. Nitrites that break down into nitric oxide are a big part of the antibacterial effect, and there are other bacteria fighters in saliva as well. Although humans do not typically engage in wound licking, some people feel that these properties help to demonstrate the value of the process. In the future the antibacterial benefits of saliva may prove to be beneficial in preventing the development of infection, especially in difficult cases.

On the other hand, there are also many reasons that wound licking is not beneficial to humans or animals. Dogs, cats and other animals may engage in licking their wounds not only as a way to clean them, but also to soothe an injured area. Despite the fact that saliva contains antibacterial elements, it is also home to many different kinds of bacteria. Many experts feel that the harmful effects of the bacteria tend to outweigh any possible benefits, making wound licking an undesirable practice.

When a pet is injured it will normally engage in wound licking immediately. For an animal in the wild, this is usually the only way it has to deal with an injury. Domesticated animals, however, benefit from their association with humans and are treated for injuries that might be fatal if not for human intervention. Since an animal may lick a wound excessively due to anxiety or in an effort to relieve its pain, not only are the bacteria in saliva of concern, but damage caused by too much wound licking becomes a concern as well.

There are several different ways to prevent an animal from engaging in wound licking. The method chosen depends on the preference of the owner, the location of the injury and how the animal responds to treatment. The least restrictive way to prevent licking and chewing is to coat an injury with a bitter-flavored cream or spray. If this doesn’t stop the problem, it may be possible to cover the wound with bandages to prevent access. As a last resort, if nothing else keeps an animal from bothering an injury it can wear a muzzle or a special collar, called an Elizabethan collar, that creates a barrier and prevents the animal from reaching the injured area.

Animals instinctively lick their wounds as part of a natural healing process. Saliva contains enzymes like lysozyme which can break down cell walls of certain bacteria, providing an antibacterial effect. Additionally, licking can help to clean the wound of debris and stimulate blood flow to the area, which can promote healing.

Wound licking can be effective to a certain extent. The act of licking can clean the wound and provide some antibacterial benefits. However, excessive licking can also introduce new bacteria into the wound and cause further irritation or infection. It's a delicate balance that can vary depending on the animal and the wound's severity.

Yes, wound licking can be harmful if it becomes excessive. Over-licking can lead to additional irritation, delayed healing, and even self-inflicted trauma. Moreover, the mouth contains a wide array of bacteria that can potentially infect the wound. In some cases, it's best to prevent animals from licking their wounds to ensure proper healing.

While human saliva does contain compounds that can fight bacteria, wound licking is not recommended for humans. The human mouth harbors many bacteria that can cause infections. According to medical advice, proper wound care involves cleaning with water or saline solution and applying antiseptic, rather than using saliva.

If your pet won't stop licking their wound, it's important to intervene to prevent further damage. You can use an Elizabethan collar (commonly known as a "cone") to prevent access to the wound. Additionally, consult with a veterinarian for appropriate wound care and to determine if further treatment is necessary.

Yes, there are alternatives to wound licking for animals that can promote healing and prevent infection. Veterinarians may recommend cleaning the wound with a saline solution, applying veterinary-approved antiseptics, and using bandages or protective coverings. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help with pain and prevent infection.