health  pets  why


Question by  worker86 (5)

Why do dogs lick humans' sores?

My dog tried to do this, and I didn't think it was safe, so I stopped him. But I was wondering why he did it.


Answer by  Leslie67 (41)

Many animals including dogs have an instinct to lick wounds. It seems to be a form of self medication in the animal species. Saliva has chemicals to prevent infections and promote healing.


Answer by  slickytfox (235)

Dogs have a natural instinct to clean open sores to promote healing within their pack. The owner is considered the leader of the pack.


Answer by  ZiggyHolmes (127)

Saliva in most mammals, have healing enzymes. Your doggy was just trying to help you. It's not unsanitary perse, but you don't want him licking open wounds.


Answer by  CathSith (69)

Dogs lick injuries as a treatment, to clean the wound and provide pain relief. They lick themselves, their offspring, and dogs they see as belonging to their "pack." Your dog tried to lick your sore because he sees you as a member of his pack, if not the leader. It's a compliment, sort of.


Answer by  HilaryC (1382)

Bodies give off certain chemicals when their healing sores, he most likely wanted the salt that was present. This is why dogs will often lick faces of crying people. It is a good thing you stopped him, it isn't safe at all and could cause a very serious infection if he did.


Answer by  jaimesgirl (1055)

You were right - it is not safe. Dogs often lick humans' sores for the same reason they do their own - to clean them. Their saliva, however, contains many bacteria.


Answer by  bubbyboy (9929)

A dog licks its own wounds so they probably figure why not? Some people swear a wound heals quicker if a dog licks it.


Answer by  2525252 (717)

I'm not sure but I think it's something about the smell of the store that makes the dog attracted to it.


Answer by  keepsmiling (648)

Dogs will lick human sores and wounds because it is their natural instinct to lick their own and their packs' injuries. Saliva has antiseptic properties and since dogs don't know about first aid this is what they do to prevent infection.

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