Although this is harmless, it will prevent the product from being able to work if it is licked straight off. For dogs, our favourite way to prevent this is by applying the products right before you take them for a walk. This will keep them occupied whilst the product has time to be absorbed into the skin. Similarly, it can be applied right before meal time. Other options include applying bandages to the area, or even clothes, to keep the area covered whilst the product has time to be absorbed into the skin. A last resort is the cone, simply pop this on for 30 minutes to an hour whilst the product is soaked in.