Dogs lick their own blood for various reasons, including to clean wounds and to get the taste of blood. In addition, dogs lick their own wounds because of the instincts they have from their ancestors to help keep themselves clean.
Are you interested in learning more about why dogs like to lick their own blood? Read on to see the in-depth details on this phenomenon so you can better understand it.
Do They Like the Taste?
Dogs are used to eating meat and bones in their natural habitat, so they do not have a natural craving for the taste of blood.
Dogs, just like cats, have the natural instincts to keep their wounds clean. This means licking the blood if necessary. However, it does not mean that they will develop a liking for blood. In fact, their ancestors used to do it just so that they wouldn’t be hunted.
For How Long Do They Do it?
Dogs may lick their blood until they feel their wound is cleaned enough. In the past, they have done this to ensure that all blood is gone so that they wouldn’t be the prey. It is completely natural.
However, if you find your dog doing it excessively, then you’ll want to contact your vet, as there may be other things going on with them.
Should You Stop Your Dog from Doing it?
Important to note that licking blood is not a natural behavior for dogs, but it doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong with them if they do it occasionally.
But, if it’s all the time, then, of course, you’ll want to phone in the vet to see if there are any underlying issues.
Does Licking it Cause Inflammation?
It is not clear what causes this reaction, but it is most likely that the dog’s immune system is reacting to something in the blood. For example, an infection could cause this reaction or from some kind of contamination in the blood.
If your dog licks their own wound after you’ve cleaned it, there’s a good chance they are simply trying to clean itself. However, it is also possible that they have found another wound that they are licking because they think it might be their own.
If this happens frequently and you want to stop it, you may want to consider putting a bandage on the wound so that your dog can’t get at it easily (you can put some dental floss across the wound as well).
Other Potential Problems Caused by Licking Wounds
If your dog is licking a wound, it’s important to keep an eye on them. Here are some of the other potential problems that can arise when a dog licks their wounds:
- Infection: If a wound becomes infected, it can lead to serious health issues for your dog.
- Allergies: If you’re using a topical treatment or medication on your dog’s wound, they could develop an allergy to it.
- Lick Granuloma: A dog licks their skin so much that they leave bald patches behind. It usually happens around their neck and paws but can also extend to other areas.
- Anemia: If you don’t take care of your pet’s wounds properly, they may become anemic from blood loss or from bacteria entering their bloodstream through open sores in their skin (which could be caused by licking).
Final Thoughts on Why Do Dogs Lick Their Own Blood
Dogs licking their own blood can be a way for them to get rid of the taste. They are not naturally attracted to blood. Instead, they clean themselves so that they don’t become another animal’s food.
If your dog is licking its blood excessively, it’s always best to consult a vet to see if any other issues may be causing this!