Why should you prevent your dog from scratching or licking a wound?
Suffering from an annoying mosquito bite will surely have you tirelessly scratching it, and you may even cause a small wound. Even though scratching a wound or injury causes discomfort and pain, it is an instinctive act in all living beings, especially in pets, who obviously follow their instincts a lot more than we do.
The main problem is that this instinctive act is very counterproductive for the wound to properly heal. Furthermore, excessive licking and scratching causes the release of chemicals that are pleasing to your dog, turning this bad habit into a vicious circle. This same lick-reward-lick mechanism is a causative factor of lick granuloma.
The Elizabethan collar, also known as the cone of shame or pet lamp-shade, is used by vets all over the world, especially after surgery, in order to prevent the dog from prematurely removing surgical stitches.
It is a highly stressful plastic device for dogs, as it deprives them of adequate vision and reduces their control of the environment around them. A dog wearing an Elizabethan collar can show the following behavior:
While the use of this collar is not at all nice for your dog, sometimes it is the best option, especially when there is a post-surgical wound.
You can make this experience more bearable: avoid startling your dog as you approach, talk to it before so it knows you are approaching, stand in front of it to encourage it to walk, remove furniture that now pose an obstacle to your pet and raise its food and water bowls so it can feed without difficulty.
Wearing a bandage acts as a tool to prevent your dog from scratching and licking a wound; of course, this depends on the type of wound, the type of bandage and your dogs behavior. Lets look at these factors in more detail:
To protect the most minor injuries this can be an excellent, yet comfortable, option for your pet. There are spray products or lotions that create a protective film over the wound and therefore allow proper healing.
They are available in pharmacies, but it is very important to get a product suitable for veterinary use, so the best option is to buy one at a specialized pet shop.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Stop your Dog from Scratching a Wound, we recommend you visit our Other health problems category.
6 ways to stop your dog scratching a wound
Whilst you’re doing all you can to help your dog’s wound heal faster after treatment, one thing keeps frustrating your efforts — your dog’s wound-scratching habit.
If they aren’t running their paw on the wound, they are itching or chewing it. Sigh! Don’t despair yet, though. There are effective solutions to make your dog give their wound a break.
Use anti-lick spray or strips on her.
Anti-lick strips or spray are available at your veterinarian or pet store, and you’d be surprised how well they work on “most” dogs. There are sprays that are made with man-made chemicals and those that are made with natural ingredients. Consider this when you make your purchase.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Scratching a Wound | Wag!
A cut on your dog can be scary. Lacerations in dogs, which range from small to large and superficial to deep, can happen at any time. For example, they may occur when they are playing too rough with another animal or person or if your pet is running through bushes that have thorns. The following will help you feel better equipped to treat minor cuts on your dog. You’ll also know when a vet’s attention is required and how to keep your pup comfortable in the meantime.