What should I do if my dog keeps licking a wound? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog keeps licking a wound, the main thing to do is stop the licking as much as you can and check the wound closely. Licking often slows healing because it keeps the area wet and can irritate the skin, but there may be several reasons your dog is doing it.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the licking happens at certain times, such as after walks, grooming, exercise or resting.
2. Look closely for redness, swelling, heat, scabs, discharge, bad smell or any broken skin around the wound.
3. See whether the wound is getting larger, staying wet, or opening up again after seeming to improve.
4. Check if your dog seems sore when the area is touched or if they’re licking at the spot more than usual.
5. Make sure there isn’t dirt, mud, bedding fibres or another irritant stuck around the wound.
6. Think about whether your dog can reach the wound easily with their tongue, or if they’re also scratching or rubbing it.
7. Note any changes in your dog’s mood, appetite or energy, as these can help show whether the wound is just irritated or something more is going on.
Common Causes
The most common reason is simple irritation. A wound that’s healing can itch or feel uncomfortable, so dogs lick it to try to soothe it.
Another common cause is moisture or contamination. If the area keeps getting wet, dirty or rubbed, it may stay irritated and heal more slowly.
Sometimes the licking is driven by pain, especially if the wound is tender, swollen or near a joint where movement keeps upsetting it.
Less commonly, there may be an infection, a trapped foreign body, or an underlying skin issue that’s making the area difficult to settle.
What To Do
Start by gently checking the wound and keeping it as clean and dry as you reasonably can. If your vet has already given you wound-care instructions, follow those rather than trying extra home remedies.
Try to reduce licking straight away. If your dog will tolerate it, use whatever vet-approved barrier or recovery support you already have available, and keep your dog distracted with calm supervision, short rest periods and quiet activity.
Keep an eye on the wound over the next day or two. A wound that’s slowly improving, staying clean and becoming less sore is usually more reassuring than one that keeps getting damp, red or messy.
If you can, limit muddy ground, rough play and anything that keeps reopening the skin. Good routine hygiene around the area can also help support healing.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the wound is getting worse, the licking won’t settle, or you notice swelling, heat, discharge, bad smell, increasing pain or your dog seems unwell. It’s also sensible to get advice if the wound is deep, won’t close, or keeps reopening despite your best efforts.
Products That May Help
For everyday wound-care support and general grooming hygiene, the Pet Care collection may be useful as part of your routine.
Related Questions
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.