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Asked by pheebyp2207 to Charlotte, Jo, Kevin, Louise, Valeria on 19 Jun 2012. This question was also asked by sarahfb.
Question: Ive heard that dog's saliva helps a wound to heal, is this true?
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Kevin Mahon answered on 19 Jun 2012:
Yes it is! It has been long observed that the licking of wounds by dogs is beneficial. Specifically, a dog’s saliva is bactericidal – meaning it kills of harmful bacteria. As the main concern with any wound is infection, licking it in this manner is highly beneficial!
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Joanna Cruden answered on 19 Jun 2012:
Although if they lick the wound too much or if they are nibbling stitches after surgery it can cause problems which is why they have to wear a collar to prevent them from causing any damage after an operation
Comments
betwhit12 commented on :
But dogs lick their, ahem, behinds dont they so that would add bacteria to the wound wouldnt it?!
Kevin commented on :
True, but the saliva is constantly being replenished and renewed so it’s not as if it negates the salivas ability to be antibacterial!
livbom commented on :
But my dog had a cut on his leg and he kept licking it but he made it worse not better?
Jo commented on :
If they lick it too much it will make it worse, not because of the saliva but because the dog is not leaving the wound alone to give it a chance to heal, that is why we put collars on them to stop them nibbling the wounds, too much of a good thing is not always good for you