A dog’s instinct is often to lick a wound, a behavior that can introduce foreign bacteria into an open cut or scrape. The common belief that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s is a misconception that poses serious health risks. Dog saliva contains compounds that can inhibit bacterial growth, but it also harbors numerous microorganisms that are foreign to the human body. Therefore, immediate action to clean the area is necessary to prevent infection.
Immediate Steps for Wound Cleaning
If a dog has licked your open wound, immediately begin thorough cleaning to remove introduced bacteria. Start by gently washing the affected area with mild soap and running warm water. Flushing the wound mechanically is the most effective way to dislodge and rinse away contaminants.
Wash the wound for a minimum of five minutes, using gentle pressure to ensure the water reaches all surfaces of the cut. Avoid scrubbing aggressively, as this can damage the tissue and push bacteria deeper into the wound. After flushing, use a clean cloth or gauze to gently pat the area dry.
Once the wound is dry, apply a small amount of over-the-counter antiseptic cream or ointment to prevent bacterial growth. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage to create a physical barrier against further contamination and keep the area clean. This process significantly reduces the risk of infection by minimizing the bacterial load.
Why Dog Saliva Poses a Risk
Dog saliva hosts hundreds of bacteria types, many harmless to the dog but infectious to humans. The concern is that they harbor species of bacteria the human immune system is not accustomed to fighting. The most notable risk comes from Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a microbe commonly found in the oral cavity of up to 74% of dogs and 57% of cats.
When Capnocytophaga is transferred into an open wound, it can cause a rare but severe opportunistic infection, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Another frequent pathogen is Pasteurella, which often causes localized infections in animal bite wounds. The risk of infection is higher for deep wounds or puncture injuries, where bacteria are introduced beneath the skin’s surface, compared to superficial scrapes.
Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention
After the initial cleaning, monitoring the wound for signs of a developing infection is important. An infection may manifest within a few hours to a few days after the exposure. Recognizing specific symptoms that indicate a need for professional medical care helps prevent serious complications.
- Increasing redness, swelling, or pain that worsens over the next 24 to 48 hours should prompt a doctor’s visit.
- The presence of pus or foul-smelling discharge from the wound suggests bacterial colonization that requires evaluation.
- Systemic symptoms, such as a fever, chills, or red streaks spreading away from the wound toward the heart, indicate a serious infection like cellulitis or sepsis.
- If the wound was deep or involved a significant puncture, immediate medical consultation is advised, as these injuries are more likely to harbor infectious agents.
- Individuals who have conditions that compromise their immune system, such as diabetes or those undergoing chemotherapy, should seek care promptly after any dog saliva exposure to an open wound.
- It is also advisable to check on your tetanus vaccination status, as any break in the skin is an opportunity for the tetanus bacteria to enter the body.
How to Prevent Future Licks
Managing the healing process involves ensuring the dog cannot access the wound again. Keep the injury securely covered with a bandage or dressing until the skin has fully closed. This physical barrier prevents contact with the dog’s tongue.
Using a taste deterrent spray on the outside of the bandage can discourage licking without causing harm. These sprays have a bitter taste that dogs find unpleasant. Redirecting the dog’s attention with a toy, a chew, or a brief training session when they show interest in the wound is also effective. Keeping the dog engaged and mentally stimulated helps curb this behavior.