• Question: Can dog saliva help heal wounds?

    Asked by Holsb to Franco, Koi, Mark on 23 Jun 2016.
    • Photo: Franco Falcone

      Franco Falcone answered on 23 Jun 2016:


      Holsb
      Saliva contains an enzyme called lysozyme which can degrade the cell wall of bacteria – it is also found in tear fluid in large amounts. Saliva also contains some small molecules called defensins which protect against bacteria, and play an important role in oral health, making sure that the bacteria do not proliferate without some kind of control in your mouth.

      So while I would assume that dog saliva would contain very similar protective antibacterial molecules, I would not recommend using dog saliva for treatment of prevention of infection, as they can transmit some serious diseases.

    • Photo: Mark Booth

      Mark Booth answered on 23 Jun 2016:


      Hi Holsb

      Dog saliva contains a protein called ’tissue factor’ that can help with clotting but it may also contain Pasteurella – a bacteria that can cause sepsis. So generally not a good idea to let dogs lick open wounds in my opinion

    • Photo: Arporn Wangwiwatsin

      Arporn Wangwiwatsin answered on 23 Jun 2016:


      Hi Holsb,

      Not sure about dog saliva, but human saliva contain molecules that act as antibacteria and painkiller so I guess something similar exist in dog and that might be why we see animal licking their wound. but!!… it also come with risk of further infection of the wound because saliva can also contain bacteria, and then that’s why the animal tend to be put in a type of funnel-like collar to prevent them from licking their wound.

      There is actually a very nice book explaining saliva (and many other things to do with guts)… the book itself is called “Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Under-Rated Organ”

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