In the eyes of your dog, a small injury generally does not go unnoticed. Indeed, a cut or scratch can immediately attract his attention. He comes to sniff, approaches the affected area and, sometimes, starts to lick it. This gesture, which may seem surprising, is nevertheless part of its natural behaviors linked to curiosity, social interactions and care between individuals.
Why does your dog lunge at the slightest injury?
This behavior, as endearing as it may be, can have several explanations. In canines, licking is particularly part of social behavior and care within the group. A mother licks her young, while individuals can take care of the wounds of their conspecifics: this is particularly called intraspecific care. Your dog can thus reproduce, with you, this care and proximity behavior, sometimes associated with allomaternal behavior, that is to say care behavior directed towards an individual which is not its own little one.
But there is not necessarily only affection behind this little lick! Blood, sweat or secretions from a wound give off odors and have a particular taste, in particular because of their mineral salt content, which can simply arouse the curiosity of your 4-legged companion. Licking can therefore be both an exploration, a learned or instinctive social behavior and a way for him to seek to bring you comfort.
An affectionate gesture to avoid on a wound
Even though your dog may simply be trying to show you affection or model caring behavior, it's best to avoid letting him lick your wound. Its saliva certainly contains certain compounds, such as lysozyme or peroxidase, to which antibacterial properties are attributed, but it also contains numerous microorganisms.
As damaged skin is more vulnerable, licking can promote secondary infection, particularly with bacteria such as Pasteurella Or Capnocytophaga canimorsus. The dog's tongue can also irritate tissues and slow healing. In other words, his favorite remedy is not necessarily yours!
Woopets Info – What to do if your dog comes to lick your cut?
To prevent your dog's tongue from aggravating your injury, here are some simple actions to take:
- Gently move your dog away and prevent him from starting to lick the area again;
- Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water;
- Disinfect it with a suitable antiseptic;
- Protect the wound with a clean dressing;
- Monitor its progress (significant redness, swelling, increasing pain or discharge may warrant medical advice).