Should I Let My Dog Lick My Wound? - Will It Heal Faster?

Will Licking Help To Heal Wounds?

We’ve all heard that a dog’s saliva is antiseptic. Therefore, some people reason that it may be a good idea to allow them to lick your wounds. However, this is typically a bad idea. Especially dogs that are very attached to their owners (such as many herding breeds or Pitbulls) will try to lick wounds that the owner has. However, this does not mean it is a good idea or that you should allow it!

The act of licking is troublesome for a few different reasons. Firstly, while a dog’s saliva does have some antiseptic properties, these are usually minor compared to modern medicine. You’re much better off using an antiseptic cream of some sort. The antiseptic properties of a dog’s saliva are often overblown. 

According to one study, a dog’s saliva only withstands the growth of some strains. Others will flourish. For instance, E. Coli has a hard time growing in canine salvia. This is a bacterium that commonly infects newly born puppies, so a dog’s resistance to this bacterium makes perfect sense. However, Staphylococcus is not affected by the antiseptic properties and grows freely. 

Interestingly enough, most wound infections on dogs are Staph infections, which are caused by Staphylococcus. It is likely due to the fact that the growth of this bacterium isn’t affected by a dog’s saliva. 

Secondly, a dog’s saliva contains a different microbiome than a human’s skin. We all have “good” bacteria in our bodies, including our saliva. Dogs have significantly different bacteria in their saliva than we do on our skin. Therefore, if we allow a dog to lick our wound, we’re introducing bacteria that may potentially be dangerous. The bacteria may not be harmful to our dog, but they will be harmful to us. 

Finally, a dog’s tongue is simply not very soft. It can damage wounded tissue and prevent tissue from growing back. It can reopen sores with some ease, which can cause infections to occur. If your wound has already started to heal, new tissue can be destroyed by a dog’s tongue. 

Your best bet is to use some sort of antiseptic cream and keep your wound away from your dog. Some dogs seem to have an instinctual need to lick wounds if they are presented. However, this is not recommended in the least. Keep it away from them, using a band-aid or something similar if necessary.