Is it okay for my pet to lick the incision?

•    If a dog licks his incision it will actually delay the healing process because they usually lick too much and traumatize the area. 
•    Licking can remove stitches and cause the incision to open 
•    Licking can become a severe habit that is difficult to break 
•    Licking can cause infection as the mouth has many bacteria 
•    Dogs will frequently lick the incision when the owner is not watching such as at night time; if the skin looks red or excoriated the most common cause is from licking. 
•    To stop your pet from licking the following can be tried:

• Elizabethan collar can be placed on the neck; this will not help stop your pet from scratching at the region
• Cervical collar (bite not collar) is a less awkward device and can be effective at stopping a pet from licking the surgical site
• If the incision is over the chest a tee shirt can be put on your pet and the waist of the shirt fastened in place with an ace bandage or duct tape.
• If the incision is over the paw or lower limb a bandage or sock could be put on and kept up with tape.
• Bitter apple can be applied around the incision; many dogs will continue to lick  after application of this topical
• Bitter Apple can be applied next to the incision