Should I let my dog lick my wound? Does it help or hurt healing?

Usually from the wound the virus travels through the nerves to the central nervous system and salivary glands as well (from where it can then spread and be transmitted). Unless the tongue was injured (so the virus could have travelled to nerves through blood stream), there are basically no chances that infection occurred. Rabies do not resist in the environment for long (max 24 hours usually) time as well.

Cover the wound with a sock or tee shirt or something so he can't get to it with his tongue. Dog's usually don't lick wounds because they are itchy, but because this is a natural instinct. If Benji is licking it obsessively, he may prevent it from healing at all, and then you need to visit your vet for a treatment plan.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Kona. Poor girl. I would gently clean her wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep her from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

Hi there. Usually, unless there is active bleeding, I tend to leave wounds open and uncovered to heal. Bandages can trap moisture and cause the area to get infected, and can also cause tissue damage if they become too tight. If Maeby is licking excessively at her paw, you can use an e-collar (plastic cone) to keep her from getting to it until it's healed over. Neosporin is okay to use topically on the wound to help prevent infection. If it hasn't healed within the next 4-5 days, or if you see any redness or swelling developing around it, then I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam as she may need oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds to treat it more effectively.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lexi. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. Dog bite wounds can be serious even if small. The tooth will puncture the skin on the surface, but can tear underlying tissues not visible from the outside. The other risk is if the original wound heals over, infection can be trapped beneath the skin resulting in an abscess. Her veterinarian will examine her and determine how best to treat her wound. I hope this information helps!

In these cases the most appropriate disinfection depends upon the location of the wound. Generally speaking disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Please give us more informations about the wound and possibly attach a pic on another question on the forum so we can give more specific advices.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Krispy. I worry that he has a mass on his leg. If so, the skin will not heal unless the mass is surgically removed. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him to prevent any further self trauma. I hope this information helps!