How can I stop a dog from licking a wound?

Question

My friend's dog has a cut on her elbow that she's been licking incessantly. How can he stop her without resorting to using one of those cone collars? I was thinking about putting something sour or spicy on it, but he doesn't want to make the wound hurt or worse. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

they sell bitter ointment to discourage licking and biting, but it doesn't always work. You can also bandage the wound, but often you have to "go with the cone!"

Answer 2

Prevent Dog From Licking Wound

Answer 3

It can be done, but this is the way the dog keeps the wound clean. It is natural for a dog to lick their wounds. If the wound is not healing, try wrapping it. You can buy co-ban it is like a self-adhesive ace bandage, make sure you use a non-stick pad under it with an antibiotic ointment, preferably triple antibiotic. You will need to check the bandage frequently, because the dog will want to get to the wound and clean it. This should only be done if the wound is not healing on its own.

You can get co-ban at Wal-Mart in the pharmacy, or you can get it at a tack and feed store.

Answer 4

Dogs lick wounds to help heal them, and it works. Don't see any dogs in the wild having all sorts of crap poured on a wound do you. Only stop him if he is chewing it and making it worse. Otherwise leave him alone.

Answer 5

Bitter Apple Spray. It is a medicated formula you spray onto wounds. Dogs (and cats) hate the taste as it is a sour bitter taste. Thus stopping the licking etc. Or go back to the vets and ask for a larger Elizabethan collar.

Answer 6

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU7Xu

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 7

licking the wound after sugery or being cut for a short period of time is not bad but if she licks too much it could cause more damage. Perhaps you should put a topical ointment on it like chew guard on it. Or you can put something on it that has lemon or cayenne pepper in it. But talk to your vet first.

Answer 8

That's a tough one. Dogs are natural lickers. Its how they heal there wounds.

The dog means no harm, she is only doing what comes natural, but of course you probably already knew that.

Its hard to keep it covered because a dog just won't leave dressings alone. I guess just watch them closely and if possible keep them separated when your not home.

Good Luck and have a "safe" and
HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Answer 9

I had the same problem with my BullMastiff after his surgery. He kept licking his wound, and I didn't want to have to get a Buster Collar. Please, don't put anything sour or spicy on it.. it'll only aggravate the wound. Take the dog to the vet.. They have some sort of sterile spray to put on the wound, that has a horrible taste to dogs. This should help.

Answer 10

Bitter Apple or Bitter Yuck are the best products I know to use. Just spray it on a wound or anything else the dog shouldn't lick. Purchase at Petsmart.

Answer 11

They lick it to clean it and heal it. If they doctor it with an antiseptic- peroxide, betadine- then put one of the square gauze bandages over it should leave it alone and you can put something spicy on the outside of the bandage if it doesn't. Just DO NOT GET IT IN THE WOUND!