How to Keep a Dog From Licking Off His Medicine

Dogs are natural lickers. They lick their bodies to bathe themselves and remove debris. They also lick, scratch or gnaw at insect bites and minor wounds. When a dog requires an application of a topical medicine, his first instinct will be to lick the medicine away. This can result in infection and a longer healing period; and in some cases it may make a dog sick to its stomach. There are several ways to manage this natural inclination to ensure your dog gets the medical care he requires.

  1. Collaring

    • A plastic megaphone-shaped collar is one of the most effective ways to keep a dog from licking his medicine away. Such a cone-shaped device goes around a dog̵7;s neck and make it impossible for it to lick itself. Often, the devices are necessary only for a short period of time after medicine is applied to allow it time to saturate into the skin.

    Distraction

    • Sometimes a simple distraction is enough to keep a dog from licking his medicine. A dog enticed into a game of catch, tug-of-war or a walk may be focused enough on the activity that he resists the urge to lick away medicine. Another method of distracting the dog is to give him his favorite chew toy or a bone to gnaw on instead of licking his medicine. A rawhide coated with peanut butter will hold a dog̵7;s attention for quite some time, as will a kibble-dispensing play toy.

    Coverage

    • Depending on the type of medicine used and the wound or condition being treated, it may be possible to cover the medicated area with bandages or even a T-shirt to prevent licking. Some commercial anti-lick products are available at pet stores that provide a harmless but distasteful topical coverage for bandages, designed to keep dogs from licking wounds. Consult a vet to find out if covering medicated areas will have any effect on how the medicine works. A dog may still require some distraction to keep him from pulling bandages.

    Electric Bandages

    • Bandage products may be available from your vet that give a light shock to a dog's tongue when he licks his medicated, bandaged wound. The charge the shock bandage gives is similar to that you'd get by placing your tongue on the contact points of a 9-volt battery. Ask your vet about the appropriateness of this treatment method based on your dog's medical condition.

    Sedation

    • In severe cases, such as those in which a dog needs to remain perfectly still or when he needs extensive external medication applied, a vet may administer or recommend light sedation. Given orally in a vet's office or at home, this approach will keep a dog from moving about and licking his medicine away. Use sedation only under the direct supervision of a licensed vet.