Yes, dogs often lick their own blood. This is a natural instinct stemming from several factors.
Why Dogs Lick Blood
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Wound Cleaning and Healing: Dogs lick wounds to clean them and potentially aid in the healing process. Their saliva contains enzymes that can help kill some bacteria. [Dogster, PetMD, Wag!] However, while this instinctive behavior might seem beneficial, it can also introduce infection and hinder proper healing. [Dogster, MyArlingtonVet]
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Pain Relief: Licking can provide a soothing sensation, potentially reducing pain associated with the injury. [PetMD]
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Exploration: Licking is a primary way dogs explore their environment, and they might lick blood simply out of curiosity. [Hepper]
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Protective Instincts: In a pack setting, licking could be interpreted as a form of self-soothing, a way to deal with stress and anxiety. The blood might be a secondary element associated with this behavior. [Reddit]
Potential Risks of Allowing Dogs to Lick Blood
While a dog's saliva contains some beneficial components, it also carries bacteria that could cause infection in an open wound. Therefore, it's generally recommended to prevent dogs from excessively licking wounds and to seek veterinary attention for serious injuries. [Dogster, MyArlingtonVet, PetMD]
In summary: While licking blood is a natural behavior, it's crucial to monitor and manage the situation to minimize the risk of infection. For any significant injury, consult a veterinarian.
