Can I use Neosporin on my pet's large wound or does it need a vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This wound is certainly very small and will most likely heal up on its own if you leave it alone and maintain it clean. I would not advise the use of neosporin or any other topical ointment as it is a bit deep and those are not indicated in internal tissue. I would just ensure that it remains clean and that he does not lick at it or traumatize it any other way. If it does not resolve, then have him evaluated. Good luck and have a good evening!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Thor! Based on your picture, I think Thor needs stitches. It will heal faster and with a less chance for infection if you take him to the Vet. If you absolutely can not take him, the fur should be shaved away, the wound cleaned with a mild soap and water twice daily and a triple antibiotic applied twice daily after cleaning. He would need to wear an E-collar to prevent licking or a T-shirt. You can also call your local SPCA and see if they have a low cost Veterinary Clinic. I hope this helps and I wish Thor a speedy recovery!

It is not likely you can "fix" the hole at home. It looks like it needed to be stitched up when it happened as it is very deep. It should heal on it's own (which we call healing by second intention) but it will take quite a bit of time. The best topical you can put on that would be Silver Sulfadiazine cream (Silvadene). You can buy it at most pharmacies over the counter. It is a cream they use on burns in humans. It is great for all wound healing. Apply a thin layer twice a day. Other than that just keep it clean. DO NOT use peroxide to clean it. That will delay healing!!! Use dilute betadine solution or just use warm water. The best option is to have it surgically repaired. That way it will heal the fastest. I cannot tell you how much it will be. You will have to check with your local vets as the cost varies widely from clinic to clinic. I would say average would be $500. I hope this helps. If you have more questions please feel free to post again.

Hi there, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. That appears to be full thickness through the skin, and would likely benefit from sutures. Additionally, bite wounds have a very high likelihood of becoming infected without systemic (oral) antibiotics, so Hazel should be seen by the vet to get started on antibiotics. Hope this helps.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a fairly superficial wound at least based on this picture. However, it would still be a good idea to have him evaluated by a veterinarian to look at it more closely in case it is deeper than what it looks like. Also, these can be painful and can get infected so your veterinarian could potentially start antibiotics and pain control medications. If superficial, these wounds tend to respond well to therapy and heal relatively quickly. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You should take Murphy to your local vets for an appointment as this wound should be clipped, cleaned, flushed and potentially stitched up under sedation. It would take a very long time to heal if the wound was treated with antibiotics only. The symptoms of infection usually develops in the first 24hrs and include fever, discharge, swelling and pain around the wound.

Do not cover the area this can create an environment that can make the infection worse. I would recommend an ecollar until you can get him into your regular veterinarian. Without seeing the lesions it is hard to say if it is something that should be seen sooner then later. If he is that uncomfortable then I would see if you can find another veterinarian that has an opening sooner. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.