Dog Lick Pus: Why They Do That? Is It Good?
If you have a dog or even a dog lover, then you would know that dogs and wounds go hand in hand, and you can’t avoid that. But you just cannot live it alone and do nothing about it, if you see your dog have a wound, then it is quite normal that you would do something.
Although have you seen that your dog always licks their paws or body parts with a wound? Why do they do that, and does it help in any way to heal the wound?
If you wanna know exactly why dog lick pus, then you are at the right place to know more about it, keep on reading this article.
Why Do Dog Lick Pus?
Well, there can be a lot of reasons why dog lick pus from their body parts, like paws, but the main reason is to relieve them from any discomfort and pain from a wound. This licking gives them a numbing sensation from the pain, which is a relief for them.
As you know, dogs do not have hands that they can rub or hold the wounds, the licking sensation is a way of self-soothing that they provide themselves.
There can be another reason why dog lick pus from their body, it is to clean bacteria and any debris. Many studies show that dog saliva has smaller amounts of properties that kill bacteria. The two types of bacteria that saliva licking helps are Streptococcus Canis and Escherichia Coli.
How To Keep Dogs From Licking Their Pus?
We all know that dogs licking their pus is not a good thing at all, it can be quite harmful to them and their health. But to keep their health intact, there are a lot of ways you can help your dog from licking their pus.
1. Elizabethan Collar (Soft Collar)
Also known as the “cone of shame.” The Elizabethan collar, or the e-collar, is like a pretty standard plastic cone or collar that prevents dogs from licking their own pus or wounds.
Wearing that collar, your dog is prevented from licking their own pus or wounds, as they are not able to reach the wound.
There are beautiful cones that are very comfortable for the dog as well. But it is important that you find an appropriate size for your dog, or else the cone will not fit the dog’s collar.
2. Inflatable Pet Collar
If you see that your dog is not as comfortable with an Elizabethan collar, then the collar that you might try out is an inflatable collar.
They are very much comfortable, and easier for the dog to become less stressed. The harder cones are a problem for the cone since it makes them problematic for them to walk.
3. Dog Clothing
If your dog has a wound on their stomach or chest, then buying dog clothes is a great way to hide those wounds from your dog licking them. Till they are ripe.
4. Recovery Suits
The recovery suits are perfect specialized pieces of clothing that are used to cover infections and wounds as well. These suits are specially designed so that the dog wounds are covered fully in order to cover the wounds.
5. Wound Dressing
There are various types of wounds that your dog might suffer, wound dressing, as prescribed by the veterinarian, is important to keep your dog safe.
Wound dressing is important to keep your dog from licking the open wound. Then also, you shouldn’t dress your dog without consulting with your vet.
How Can You Tell If Your Dog’s Wound Is Infected From Licking?
There are certain signs and symbols of dog infections that will affect your dog if your dog lick pus, but such signs, as per your veterinarian, are.
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Pus
- Thick Or Colored Discharge
- Reopening Of The Wound
How To Heal A Dog Wound Fast?
When you have a dog of your own, the one thing you should always have in mind is that you should always have a home dog first aid kit.
The first aid kit is a handy way of dressing your dog’s wounds and any infections. So to prepare your doggy first aid kit, these are the things that you should keep in the box.
- Bandages
- Set Of Disinfectants
- Antibacterial Platers
- Healing Ointments
- A Tourniquet To Stop The Blood
Frequently Asked Questions:
Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the concept of dog lick pus metioned below!
1. Is It Ok For A Dog To Lick An Infected Wound?
Saliva carries plenty of antibacterial properties, but licking pus can harm thes e doggos so much more. Consult with your vets about recommending some products for your dog’s wound care and basic first-aid-kit. T-shirts, surgical suits, bandages, and Elizabethan collars all can offer some percentage of protection against licking.
2. What Happens If A Dog Licks Your Infection?
A bacterium called Capnocytophaga canimorsus is transmitted through a dog’s saliva. Any infection can actually cause extreme sepsis accompanied by acral necrosis – this is potentially fatal for your dog. We even came across this 41-year old man who was infected via getting lickede by his dog.
3. Why Does My Dog Lick Discharge?
A dog will sometimes lick her vulva to help keep it clean. Intermittent licking is rarely a problem unless you also notice a vaginal discharge or changes in the vulva’s appearance, her overall health has worsened, or the licking becomes more frequent or intense.
Wrapping Up!
Now that you understand what happens when and why dog lick pus, and what happens when they go through pain. Dog saliva contains certain antibacterial properties though minimum, and it is effective for smaller wounds, of course.
So if you think that this article was helpful for you to get certain crucial information, then give this article a like and comment down below.
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