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My dog keeps licking my cat's wound. How can I stop it and heal it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

my friends cat has a wound on its neck and her dog keeps licking the wound and she don't know how to stop the dog from licking it but also wants a remedy to heal the wound as well

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 26th, 2017

Oh no, poor Cat! You may need to be a shirt on him to keep the dog from licking at the wound. Cats will fit into baby shirts, and you can find a cheap from an op shop. Usually an infant size 3-6 months will fit a cat. You can clean the wound with warm water and antiseptic soap, but I don't recommend putting any ointments on it. Although quite safe on superficial wounds, cats groom and ingest most of the topical ointment you apply and therefore should be used only under direct veterinary supervision and if there are no other appropriate options. Many human ointments contain multiple other ingredients which are not necessarily safe to be swallowed. Keep an eye on the wound, and if it becomes red, swollen, warm to the touch, or has pus, it's infected and cat will need to see the vet for antibiotics.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on December 31st, 2016
If you are going to use it, make sure it is in a spot Frida cannot lick. If it is, you may need to use an e-collar (cone) to prevent licking/ingestion. If it is a minor wound/abrasion, keep the area clean and dry. Major or deep wounds or areas that look infected should be addressed by your veterinarian.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 20th, 2017
Unfortunately a wound in that spot is very difficult to bandage and usually not even vets do that (especially in cats!!). Buster collar may be more useful to avoid licking.
Difficult to say but this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and antibiotics (systemic /oral treatment) are needed to solve the problem.
Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Neosporin is ok but systemic antibiotics will be best in my opinion.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 8th, 2017
If a large amount is ingested it can cause problems. You can place a thin layer on the wound and try to distract him afterwards by feeding him treats or playing with him. A small amount may not even bother him enough for him to try to groom the area thiugh
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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