Wound licking
The idea that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth probably stemmed from the fact that dogs lick their wounds and yet their wounds rarely get infected. In fact wounds that are constantly licked by the dog heal faster than a wound that is medicated and covered by a vet wrap.
Licking to clean and heal the wound
When a dog licks the wound it is in fact cleaning the wound and removing dead tissues not unlike the way doctors clean a wound using cotton swabs. The dog’s tongue is an efficient “cotton swab” that thoroughly cleans the wound. Dogs salivate more and the saliva loosens scabs formed on the surface of the wound.
You may have noticed that wound licked by the dog heals quickly. These wounds rarely get infected. The dog’s saliva has a special enzyme that has antibacterial substances and therefore has healing capacity.
Dogs surely have one effective way of healing their wounds. However, it would no come amiss if the pet owner would inspect the wound too. If the wound is caused by a thorn or a splinter, excessive licking can drive the splinter into the flesh of the dog. As it is embedded on the dog’s skin no amount of licking can remove the offending splinter. The saliva may have an antibiotic capacity but this case calls for the intervention of the pet owner if not the assistance of a vet.
Why do dogs lick their wounds?