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My dog has a bite wound. Should I use Neosporin or see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 40 lbs

I found a puncture wound on Finn’s forehead when I got home from work. I think the dogs were playing too rough and our other dog bit him too hard. How should I go about taking care of the wound? I put Neosporin on it but should I be doing something else? Does it look bad enough to take him to the vet? he doesn’t seem to be behaving any differently because of it.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 22nd, 2018

It's not easy to see the extent of the puncture from the picture, but it appears somewhat minor. It's always best to have a vet examine it and provide treatment, so if you can have him seen in the next 24 hours, that would be great, but may not be necessary.

The first thing you should do is flush the wound using a syringe or other dispensing device with warm water for five minutes. This may not be easy, because dogs tend to hate water getting near their face. I recommend having someone help you with holding Finn to make sure the wound gets flushed well.

Infection is the biggest concern with these wounds; so after flushing, it's best to apply the Neosporin cream to the wound. In order to keep the wound clean, it's best to flush the wound 1-2 times a day and gently wipe away any big crusts - make sure not to scrub the wound, because this can make it worse. Apply the antibacterial cream after each flushing.

If the wound starts to swell or have pus oozing from the wound, then I'd recommend he goes to the vet for treatment. Otherwise, the wound should heal fine over the next 2-3 weeks.

I hope that helps and Finn gets better soon.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 8th, 2017

    HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Skip!

    Bite wounds are tricky. When a dog bites their teeth are designed to pull and tear so the punctures you see on the outside are just the tip of the iceberg: they tend to be worse under the skin. If Skip is acting fine then purchase an Elizabethan Collar (cone) for him to wear so he doesn't lick the wound. I recommend cleaning the wound well with mild soap and water. You can apply an antibiotic cream to the wound twice daily. You can also warm compress the area twice daily for 5 mins before putting the cream on.

    It is recommended to have the wound looked at by a Vet to assess whether the puncture should be surgically explored and if drains need to be placed. There are usually low cost Veterinary clinics associated with SPCA's. Skip likely at a minimum needs antibiotics and pain medications.

    Monitor the wound, if there is swelling, pain or yellow/green discharge Skip needs Veterinary care.

    Good luck!

    Vote Icon

    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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