Should I let my dog lick his wound, or could this seemingly innocuous act lead to unintended complications? Many pet owners grapple with the idea of how much autonomy to grant their furry companions when it comes to wound care. On one hand, is it not instinctual for dogs to tend to their injuries in this manner? Yet, what if this natural behavior results in excessive licking, exacerbating the wound or even introducing harmful bacteria? Furthermore, could the saliva, often thought to possess healing properties, actually become a double-edged sword in this context? Is it wise to trust our dogs’ instincts, or should we intervene to ensure proper healing through more controlled methods? As we ponder this dilemma, how might the specifics of the wound in question—its size, location, and severity—affect our decision? Additionally, how do various factors, such as the dog’s temperament and past experiences with wound healing, come into play?