Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has a bleeding, oozing neck lump. What can I do at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Alaskan Malamute | Female | spayed | 7 years and 11 months old | 135 lbs

hello, today I found that our 9 yr old female malamute has some type of bleeding oozing abscess on the right side of her neck. I cleaned off the blood soaked hair and found a large lump that was the cause. I had to shave around this lump to clean it thoroughly an found the area to be enlarged. While cleaning, the lump had a small tear in the skin and it immediately started oozing both blood and puss. What can I do to help her before going to the vet?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 6th, 2019

Unfortunately there is nothing else you can do at home besides the cleaning. An abscess is a pocket of infection, and it is painful to the dog. Arwyn needs antibiotics and pain medications, and the abscess needs to be drained and flushed. I would take her into a vet now to have this done. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog has a bleeding lump on her neck. Is it an emergency or abscess?

It looks infected and is most likely an abscess. It is not an emergency but she should be seen in the next couple days. In the meantime you can just keep the wound clean with some mild soap and warm water, dry it and then you can put some Neosporin on it. Keep her out the water for now.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog was bitten, now has an abscess. Can I drain it myself?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This lump you describe could potentially be something like an abscess for example. However, other things are possible. If there is really an abscess, this should not be treated at home. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If an abscess was noted, further local therapy with drainage and antibiotics would be recommended. Good luck and best wishes!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What to do about my dog's weeping abdominal lump after vet visit?

If the lump continues to weep blood and pus, he should be re-examined by your vet. If it is an abscess/pustule then your dog will need an antibiotic. Your vet can perform a fine needle aspirate to help determine the type of lump. You can also spray the lump with an over the counter product, like Vetericyn Plus Spray and see if that helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's tail lump burst and is bleeding. Can I treat it at home?

That growth may be a tumor or a cyst that ruptured. It is infected and has a very large open spot. the only thing you can do at home is keep the area clean and get an e collar from a pet store to prevent him from licking it and making it worse. It will need to be seen by a vet for antibiotics and possibly surgery to have it removed or this may be a repetitive cycle

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a bleeding, oozing lump on its neck. What should I do?

This appears to be a large, infected mass. You will need to take Roscoe to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will likely recommend surgery to remove the mass and antibiotics to help the infection clear up. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's abscess burst. What home care can I do before the vet?

Applying a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes a couple times a day can help the abscess continue to drain. cleaning the discharge from the skin with a mild soap or hibiclens (available at drug stores) is also recommended. An e-collar to prevent your dog from licking at the area and keeping your dog indoors except to use the bathroom is also recommended (to avoid flies). You will, however, need veterinary attention because the abscess may need to be flushed and your dog will need systemic antibiotic which requires a prescription.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a lump after a fight. Is it an abscess? Can I treat it?

I'm concerned this is an abscess. A dog's mouth has a lot of bacteria and Diamond was bitten by the other dog, it can cause an abscess. This cannot be treated at home. You need to have her seen by a vet today. It needs to be drained in a sterile manner, and she needs antibiotics and pain medication. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share