Behaviour & Licking

Licking is an instinctive behaviour. Saliva contains mild antimicrobial enzymes, and the act of licking can temporarily relieve pain or itching around a wound. However, sustained licking introduces bacteria, removes stitches, and dramatically slows healing. Most vets recommend preventing licking entirely after surgery or injury, regardless of how natural the behaviour is.

Occasional brief licking is unlikely to cause immediate harm, but sustained licking is dangerous. It introduces oral bacteria to the wound, can reopen sutured tissue, and in chronic cases causes a condition called lick granuloma where the skin becomes persistently inflamed and fails to heal. The safest approach is to prevent licking entirely using a recovery suit or e-collar.

A recovery suit is the most effective cone alternative. It physically covers the wound so licking is not possible, without restricting movement or triggering the anxiety that rigid cones often cause. Bitter spray deterrents can help for minor wounds on the legs or paws, though determined dogs frequently persist through these. For surgical wounds, physical coverage is always the most reliable method.

Post-surgery anxiety is very common. Pain, unfamiliar smells from antiseptics and hospital environments, the residual effects of anaesthesia, and the sudden physical restriction all contribute. Some dogs also experience temporary personality changes due to pain medication. Keep the environment calm and familiar, maintain routine as much as possible, and consult your vet if anxiety is severe or persists beyond 3 to 4 days.

Most vets recommend protection for the full duration of wound healing — typically 10 to 14 days for soft tissue procedures and longer for orthopaedic surgeries. The incision must be fully closed and the dog showing no interest in the area before protection is removed. Removing it too early is one of the most common causes of post-surgery complications and return visits to the vet.