Stop with the Licking!

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FEATURED ARTICLE STOP IT! How to Stop Your Dog From Licking

Hey ed, Dogs love to lick themselves, regardless of how gross it seems to us. But while a little licking is OK, lots of licking of a wound or an area of infection can be dangerous. Preventing licking can be challenging. Simply telling your dog to stop, or moving his head away, may work for a brief time but does not help when you are not around. More effective solutions are necessary. When you are serious about stopping the licking, there are three common solutions you can attempt: Topical products Some dogs with a mild compulsion to lick may respond to the application of bitter tasting products to bandages covering the wound. Discuss with your veterinarian first before applying any of these products directly to a wound; it may cause irritation, which could result in even more licking. Covering the wound For wounds in certain areas, bandaging the wound may be all it takes. By covering the wound, the pet doesn't have easy access and may stop licking. This works really great for some dogs, but the presence of the new material can make other dogs go crazy until it's removed. Neck collars The most commonly used and usually effective measure is the collar that fits around the neck and prevents the dog from having access to the area. The collar is called a "cone" or often referred to as an Elizabethan collar (E-collar). I hope these tips help your dog. P.S.: Licking is just one issue that might slow your dog's healing after surgery. Check out our tips on how to know if your dog's incision is healing normally.