They don't heal their wounds by licking; they simply keep them clean to prevent infection. It is important to remember that dogs in the wild can easily succumb to infected wounds – and they often do. Dogs are not immune to infections due to the slight antibacterial properties of their saliva.

Do dog wounds heal fast?

Not so fast. Unfortunately, it'll take some time and diligent wound care before your dog's injury is fully healed and back to normal. There are four healing stages for any wound (dog or human): Inflammation.

What happens if your dog has a cut?

The most common canine cut is from a scratch or scrape that produces light bleeding but does not require stitches. Clean the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin®, and cover it with a sterile gauze pad to help promote healing. Your dog should not lick the affected area.