To stop your dog from licking raw skin, you must first identify and address the underlying cause of the irritation while simultaneously preventing them from accessing and further damaging the affected area.
Dogs instinctively lick wounds to clean them, but excessive licking can worsen raw skin, leading to infections, delayed healing, and the development of lick granulomas.
Why Do Dogs Lick Raw Skin?
Dogs lick raw skin for various reasons, often indicating an underlying issue:
- Pain or Discomfort: An injury, cut, or abrasion can cause pain that triggers licking.
- Itching: Allergies (environmental, food), parasites (fleas, mites), or fungal infections can cause intense itching.
- Infection: Bacterial or yeast infections can make the skin feel irritated and cause licking.
- Foreign Objects: A splinter or thorn embedded in the skin can be a source of irritation.
- Boredom or Anxiety: Some dogs develop compulsive licking behaviors due to lack of mental stimulation, stress, or separation anxiety.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain systemic diseases can manifest as skin problems.
Immediate Steps to Prevent Licking
The most crucial immediate step is to create a physical barrier to prevent your dog from reaching the raw area.
- E-Collar (Cone of Shame): This is often the most effective way to prevent a dog from licking wounds on their body, head, or legs. While they can be inconvenient, they are essential for healing.
- Recovery Suits or Body Suits: These full-body garments can cover wounds on the torso and limbs, offering a more comfortable alternative to a traditional cone for some dogs.
- Specialized Protective Gear:
- For wounds around the ankle or hock joint, a DogLeggs Hock Sock can effectively cover and protect the area from licking.
- If the raw skin is on a front leg, near the wrist, a DogLeggs Front Leg Wrap can provide targeted protection.
- For paw injuries, a protective boot like a MediPaw Boot can prevent your dog from licking or chewing.
- These types of protective garments create a physical barrier, allowing the raw skin to heal without constant irritation from licking.
- Bandages or Wraps (with Caution): For small, clean wounds, a properly applied bandage can protect the area. However, bandages must be changed frequently, kept dry, and applied carefully to avoid cutting off circulation. Always consult your veterinarian on proper bandaging techniques.
- Bitter Sprays: Some non-toxic, bitter-tasting sprays are designed to deter licking. Apply these around the wound, not directly on raw or open skin, as they can cause further irritation. Always check product labels for safety and suitability.
Addressing the Root Cause
Preventing licking is only a temporary solution. For long-term healing and to prevent recurrence, you must identify and treat the underlying cause:
- Veterinary Consultation: A visit to your veterinarian is crucial. They can accurately diagnose the cause of the raw skin through physical examination, skin scrapes, blood tests, or allergy testing.
- Medical Treatment:
- Infections: Your vet may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections or antifungals for yeast infections, either topical or oral.
- Allergies: Management might include antihistamines, steroids, specialized diets, allergy shots (immunotherapy), or environmental controls to reduce exposure to allergens.
- Parasites: Treatment with appropriate antiparasitic medications will eliminate fleas, mites, or other external parasites.
- Pain Relief: If the raw skin is painful, your vet might prescribe pain medication.
- Wound Care: Follow your veterinarian's instructions for cleaning the raw skin. This might involve using a gentle antiseptic solution or prescribed medicated wipes to keep the area clean and free from infection.
- Environmental Enrichment: If boredom or anxiety contributes to excessive licking, increase your dog's mental and physical stimulation. Provide puzzle toys, engage in regular exercise, and consider training sessions.
- Behavioral Modification: For compulsive licking behavior not linked to a physical cause, a certified veterinary behaviorist or professional dog trainer can help address the underlying anxiety or stress.
When to See a Veterinarian
It's always best to consult a veterinarian when your dog has raw skin, especially if:
- The area is red, swollen, hot to the touch, or has pus or a foul odor (signs of infection).
- Your dog is excessively licking and causing self-mutilation.
- The raw skin is not healing within a few days of implementing preventive measures.
- Your dog is showing other signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever.
- You suspect allergies, parasites, or an underlying medical condition.
By combining physical barriers to prevent licking with proper veterinary diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause, you can help your dog's raw skin heal and prevent future occurrences.
| Prevention Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| E-Collar (Cone) | Highly effective for preventing access to most body parts. | Can obstruct vision, movement; may cause stress or discomfort. |
| Recovery Suit/Onesie | More comfortable, covers torso and limbs. | May not prevent licking of paws or specific joint areas; can get dirty. |
| Bandages/Wraps | Targeted protection for specific areas; can apply medication. | Must be applied correctly; can restrict circulation; easily chewed off. |
| Specialized Braces/Socks | Targeted protection for joints (e.g., hocks, wrists, paws). | May not be suitable for all types of wounds or locations. |
| Bitter Sprays | Non-invasive, can be used on surfaces or around the wound. | Not suitable for open wounds; taste may not deter all dogs. |
