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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?
I would let him lick it. I don't think the dogs mouths are cleaner.
I think its tongue is almost cotton swab like, and theyr saliva does contain a special enzyme that contains antibacterial substances.
Is he licking it excessively now? I would say, if he's just licking it every now and then go ahead and let him. But if he's licking it all the time, it's going to have a harder time healing, and paws have a hard time healing to begin with. I can tell you that dog saliva is not sterile or even close to it.
If it were my dog I would run some water over the paw (hydrotherapy) for 5-10 minutes a couple of times a day and discourage him from licking excessively. I'd also watch very carefully for any signs of infection.
no he's not licking it excessively. I put the collar on him this morning when I was out, but have taken it out now that I am home and am able to watch him. Yesterday the wound was bleeding a little as I was cleaning him up after our day outside. I just took him out to potty few minutes ago and I think the wounds have dried up a bit. I'm going to try the hydrotherapy for him. THanks.
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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.
Yes you should let your dog lick his wounds unless he is licking exessively. Dogs have an enzyme that speeds up the healing process.
I thought an e-collar was a big plastic gaurd around the dogs head to prevent them from being able to reach stitches on their belly etc. Why would you get a collar to "zap" your dog?
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.
.............
He's talking about a battery operated collar that zaps the dog.
no he's not licking it excessively. I put the collar on him this morning when I was out, but have taken it out now that I am home and am able to watch him. Yesterday the wound was bleeding a little as I was cleaning him up after our day outside. I just took him out to potty few minutes ago and I think the wounds have dried up a bit. I'm going to try the hydrotherapy for him. THanks.
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.
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