like so many other animals, dogs tend to lick the body all the time. 

The dog behavior can come from a desire to be clean or itchy. But if the animal licks frequently its paws, especially those of before, it is that it seeks to relieve a wound. Whatever the cause, the fact that he usually licks can lead to a licking wound. So, what are the clinical signs of a licking wound? Is it possible to prevent a dog from having a licking wound and what is the first reflex to take if a dog suffers from it? How to treat her? Are there any natural remedies to treat it? The following paragraphs will explain these issues.

What precautions should be taken to avoid a wound of licking? And what is the first reflex to take if this case presents itself?

Many dogs suffer from a licking wound at the level of either its hind legs or those of anterior or even all its legs. There are, however, some ways to keep a dog from suffering from this problem. First of all, it is important to maintain the animal frequently so that it feels clean and away from external parasites, especially fleas. And when his master sees him lick, we must find a way to stop him. For that, nothing but a caress can suffice and it must not under any circumstances punish or scold him.
For what to do, as soon as a dog continues to lick its paws, it is necessary to try to know what is the origin of its behavior. It is necessary to observe its pads and the tip of its paws. He may have dermatitis or a simple wound. If the cause of the licking is not known, a veterinarian should be consulted directly because only he or she could determine other causes such as allergies or anxiety or even more serious. What is to be avoided is to bandage the part concerned. Indeed, he may go to let go on other parts of his body to lick, which will further aggravate his situation.

What are the clinical signs of a licking wound?

The wound of licking is known as "dermatitis of licking". These lesions are shallow and surrounded by brown hair. It is due to incessant licking in the same place and most often at the distal end of a paw. Yet the animal does not just lick but it chews an area concerned at the same time. A licking dermatitis is in the form of ulcerative and alopecia plaque.

Only a veterinarian is able to complete the signs of a licking wound. Indeed, they depend on the results of the clinical examination. As a type of examination, the cytological examination can be identified. The analysis of a skin scraping of the dog makes it possible to know if the animal is the victim of a follicular scab or a simple infection. Depending on the severity of the situation, the veterinarian may suggest a history of pruritus. Specifically, a clinical examination to detect signs of paresis and pain. In the event of a wound licking takes a significant span, it is possible that the veterinarian recommends a biopsy examination. Indeed, if a wound is deep enough, this therapeutic approach is of paramount importance in order to know if the dog is suffering from a tumor.

How to treat a wound of licking?

There is no systematic treatment suitable for any wound. Indeed, its care depends mainly on the cause of this dermatitis of licking. For example, if the veterinarian fails to identify the source of the licking wound, treatment may not be recommended for fear of being ineffective. It is nevertheless to be noted that a wound of licking can completely disappear only after 2 or even 3 months of treatment if the origin has been detected.

If a clinician finds a licking wound related to a staphylococcal infection, it will give an antibiotic treatment including cefalexin. But the practitioner will also require that the dog's master concerned clean the lesson every day with a shampoo that contains benzoyl peroxide. On the other hand, if the wound appears to be much more serious, the specialist may opt for corticosteroid treatment. The most commonly used are hydrocortisone acetone and betamethasone. However, treatment may not be effective, in this case, surgical resection or radiography may be used.

As an indication, if other alternatives exist, do not proceed with cryosurgery. Indeed, not only is the operation very complex, but its very realization demands that the wound of licking be opened several times. Finally, it is possible that licking dermatitis does not require specific treatment for it to be completely cured. If it comes from a psychological problem like separation anxiety or deprivation or depression, some routine changes are enough. In this case, the most important to find an option that could de-stress the animal. His master could give him more attention by taking him on a walk or even encouraging him to the play. It is also possible to give him something he can chew from time to time.

What are the natural remedies to cure a wound of licking?

If the wound of licking does not increase and is not deep, some masters opt for natural remedies. They could also complement the antibiotics and anti-inflammatories recommended by veterinarians. The most recommended herb to treat a licking wound is the Rescue formula of Bach Flowers. This treatment can last 3 weeks and can be renewed if necessary. It is suitable for dogs who suffer from licking wounds because of anxiety and in any stressful situation. As for the wild apple known as "Crab Apple", it could help the animal no longer feel dirty so that it stops licking all the time.

One can also resort to the Phyto-calm which is a complex of plants allowing the dog to regain its balance. Thus, he will solve his problem of frequent licking of himself. As for Phyto itching, this product is effective in treating a wound of licking. Indeed, as it is based on lavender that fights against any skin condition, it is a leader in the healing of lesion. It should be pointed out that herbal medicine related to itching is to be used if the dermatitis of licking comes from an allergy. To treat a wound of licking, one can also use the calendula. It is a powerful analgesic and antibiotic that is able to fight germs. It can be applied to the wound 2 to 4 times a day. It should be noted that there are now calendula-based lotions. They are much easier to use.