Dogs lick their wounds for a reason. Antibiotics are as useful as several good licks on a wound for them, so it is quite possible he won’t leave that bandaged paw alone. This means it is time to turn your pooch into the cutest lamp out here. It’s time for a cone.
If there is a way, try to avoid the Elizabethan collar, or “the cone”. Your dog can be humiliated by it and even develop a form of lethargy. Therefore, vets have developed several types of name-brand accessories you can use to keep your dog from licking his bandaged paw instead, most of which are a type of outer bandage that has an unappealing taste or texture.
Strips like these are less effective in damp environments, hence they won’t work for every dog. This means it’s time for a cone.
This is the plastic cone that goes around your dog’s neck. It prevents him from accessing his paw, gnawing the flea bites and is, unfortunately, utterly demoralizing for the poor guy.
Dogs do learn from repetition but it takes time, thus scolding him every time he rips off the bandage is not going to work. It takes only a few minutes to rip it off and start licking the wound, so the cone is the only real guarantee.
Choose a cone that extends 1 inch past the tip of your dog’s snout, but not much further. The cone should be wider at the opening than your dog’s food and water dishes, or else he won’t be able to access them with the cone on. Leave the cone on until the bandages come off and the paw is healed.
And remember, don’t fall for his sad, humiliated looks and sad puppy eyes. After a day or two, he’ll be used to the cone, and before you know it, the wound will heal.