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My puppy has an open wound. Is licking harmful? Will she be okay?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 4 days old | 16 lbs

This rescue pup was attacked yesterday by a big dog in his new “home”(not anymore). My father took her to a vet that gave her antibiotics/pain injections. She has an open wound that needs stitches but no vet is available until tomorrow. The puppy is now back in foster with her two siblings and mom that are licking on her wound, but in the evening she will stay alone with my father. How can I explain my father that licking might do more harm? Will she be okay until tomorrow when she sees a vet?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2019

This will cause infection and damage to the wound if the licking continues. Your father needs to keep Paquita completely separated from the mother to stop the licking. The sooner she sees a vet, the better.

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