Preventing Licking and Chewing: Why It Matters More Than You Think

As a pet parent, it’s only natural to want the very best care for your furry companion-especially when they’re recovering from surgery, managing skin conditions, or healing after trauma. You may think a little licking or chewing here or there is harmless, but science tells a very different story. Persistent self-trauma can lead to serious medical complications including infections, delayed healing, and even permanent tissue damage. In this article, we explore the biological reasons pets lick and chew, the risks they pose, and how using modern, full-coverage recovery suits can protect your pet and support faster healing.

Understanding the Instinct: Why Pets Lick and Chew

Licking and chewing is an instinctive behavior in both dogs and cats. In the wild, animals lick their wounds as a means of cleaning and soothing the area. Their saliva contains a mild antiseptic quality due to enzymes like lysozymes. However, this benefit is minimal when compared to modern veterinary care, and in domestic pets, excessive licking actually becomes counterproductive.

The Role of Saliva: Not as Beneficial as You Think

While animal saliva contains some antibacterial components, it also harbors over 600 species of bacteria-many of which pose serious risks to healing wounds. Research from the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine reports that bacterial contamination from self-licking is one of the leading causes of wound infection in post-operative cases among both cats and dogs.

Medical Risks of Unchecked Licking and Chewing

• Infection: Licking introduces bacteria from the mouth directly into the wound. This can lead to localized infections, abscesses, and even systemic complications.
• Delayed Healing: Consistent mechanical irritation from licking and chewing disrupts the body’s natural repair mechanisms. This can compromise new skin formation, granulation tissue, and lead to chronic wounds or non-healing ulcers.
• Wound Dehiscence: One of the most serious outcomes. This is when the wound reopens due to the pressure and motion of licking or nibbling. Surgical wounds are particularly vulnerable during the first 7-10 days of healing, the critical window for tissue strength development.
• Self-Mutilation: In some cases, pets persistently chew or bite themselves due to pain, anxiety, or dermatitis. Without intervention, this can result in severe tissue loss and additional veterinary intervention such as reconstructive surgery.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Lick-Prevention Tactics

A clinical study published in the Veterinary Surgery Journal found that surgical wound complications decreased by over 60% in canines fitted with post-operative coverage compared to those using no shielding or relying solely on e-collars (Elizabethan collars).

Furthermore, dogs fitted with fabric-based recovery garments demonstrated significantly lower rates of anxiety and stress-related behaviors, factors that directly correlate with wound healing efficiency. Similar findings have been observed in felines, with increased grooming behavior being substantially reduced by physical protection of affected sites.

E-Collars vs. Full-Coverage Recovery Suits: Why Suits are Often Superior

The traditional e-collar has long been a staple recovery tool; however, it presents challenges including:

• Obstruction of vision and mobility
• Increased anxiety and disruption to daily behavior
• Limited effectiveness for protecting wounds on the torso, limbs, or groin areas

In comparison, full-coverage recovery suits offer strategic advantages:

• Shield wounds across different anatomical regions including abdomen, back, thighs, and armpits
• Minimize physical access without compromising comfort or movement
• Allow normal eating, drinking, sleeping, and toileting behaviors
• Made of breathable, hypoallergenic materials – reducing risk of overheating or skin irritation

According to a survey conducted by the Companion Animal Recovery Unit, over 80% of veterinarians now recommend full-body suits post-surgery as a first-line defense for lick-related complications.

Conditions That Benefit From Lick Prevention

Recovery suits aren’t just for post-surgical use. They can be instrumental in managing a variety of conditions, including:

• Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
• Allergic skin reactions
• Insect bites or parasitic skin disease
• Post-dental or dermatological procedures
• Spaying, neutering, and orthopedic surgeries

Conclusion: Proactive Protection for PEACE of Mind

Your pet deserves the best chance at a swift, smooth recovery. By understanding the science behind licking and chewing behavior and responding with proactive care, you not only protect your pet’s physical health but also reduce stress-for both of you. A full-coverage recovery suit is more than just a garment; it’s a proven medical aid that promotes healing, prevents problems before they start, and keeps pets calm and comfortable during vulnerable moments.

Next time your dog or cat comes home after a vet visit, consider equipping them with evidence-based protection that ensures a safe return to their happy, tail-wagging self.