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My dog played too hard yesterday and somehow scraped his paw... so do you think I should put the e-collar on him to prevent him from licking his wound? or do you think he should lick his wound to let it heal? I have read that dog's saliva is almost sterile and it's natural for them to lick their own wounds, yet some say licking its own wound actually promotes infection?
A dog's saliva is filled with all kinds of bacteria (because they put 1000+1 kinds of nasty stuff in their mouth).
But exactly for that reason the saliva also contains powerful enzymes designed to keep bacteria harmful for a dog in check.
So why a dog's saliva can be quite harmful for humans (wash your hands!), its usually perfect for self-treatment of small wounds on a dog.
That is exactly the reason why a dog's instinct tells it to lick the wound.
To cover it with saliva as a natural ointment.
If its a bigger wound or it keeps bleeding heavily or is infected, you have to take your dog to the vet asap.
But otherwise, just let him lick until he stops by himself.
PS: Dog saliva is also a good way to combat food fungus
If he's collar conditioned, he should only associate his "e-mails" with commands. I think it could get pretty confusing if you're zapping him for something as natural and ingrained as licking a wound. If it were me, I would be very hesitant to get the collar involved.
If you do feel like he needs collar corrections, make sure you are telling him "NO" before he gets a zap and make sure your timing is dead on.
I apologize if this is patronizing, I really don't know anything about your situation but I've seen a lot of people misuse and abuse the e-collar.
Really, as long as he isn't limping badly or favoring his good leg too much I wouldn't worry about it. Dogs are generally pretty robust. If you are really concerned, "brush slippers" over a dressing could do the trick.
Why the heck would anyone try to shock zap their dog in the first place?
Not sure if you know that, but e-collars are considered illegal abuse devices in most other civilized countries.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joghurta
Why the heck would anyone try to shock zap their dog in the first place?
Not sure if you know that, but e-collars are considered illegal abuse devices in most other civilized countries.
What countries would those be?
I'm sure that if you haven't tried putting a shock collar on your own neck to see exactly what it does it could seem unreasonable, but it is a good tool with a lot of applications. Used properly it amounts to a 1,000 yard leash. Not very abusive or illegal. Its actually worse for humans since we are always wearing a thin coating of electrolyte. Dogs don't sweat over most of their body.
I do apologize for the confusion, I've never heard of an Elizabethan Collar abbreviated to E-collar before.
My dog played too hard yesterday and somehow scraped his paw... so do you think I should put the e-collar on him to prevent him from licking his wound? or do you think he should lick his wound to let it heal? I have read that dog's saliva is almost sterile and it's natural for them to lick their own wounds, yet some say licking its own wound actually promotes infection?
Dog saliva is not sterile, nor does it contain a special enzyme that allows them to heal. However, you should allow your dog to lick his wound in order to keep the wound clean, but do not allow excessive licking that would prevent healing.
Dogs have just as much bacteria in their saliva as humans or any other critter. The bacteria in dog saliva is specific to the species, which is why some think it is sterile. Most of the bacteria they carry cannot effect humans or another species. The reverse is also true. Humans carry various forms of bacteria that cannot effect dogs or other species.
also something your vet won't mention, for wounds sores scrapes, use polysporn (sp) the clear kind do this a couple times a day, avoid the dog from licking it while it's on, and you'll see your dogs heal in no time and fast too.
I'm sorry SouthernBelleInUtah, I have to disagree if you're talking about the original poster. Why would he put a remote-controlled shock collar on the dog while he's gone?
I think I might see the confusion. jimboburnsey is clearly talking about a shock collar. I don't believe chubba is.
it's the plastic lamp shade looking thing. sorry if it confused people.. I thought everyone refers to that collar as the e-collar. no, we have never used any form of 'electric shock' on our dog..
but thanks everyone, my dog is back to his active ways again.. his paw has seemed to heal, though I have not taken him walking/running on the concrete sidewalks (we drive to the park instead of walking for now)..
but thanks everyone, my dog is back to his active ways again.. his paw has seemed to heal, though I have not taken him walking/running on the concrete sidewalks (we drive to the park instead of walking for now)..
Thanks for the good news!
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