My dog's lower lip is bruised. What's the best way to treat it?

Poor Chico! It is difficult to tell exactly what it is without seeing it in person. I would watch it closely. You can put an over the counter antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or something similar to see if it will help. If it doesn't look better within 24 hours, I would have your vet take a look at it. Your vet will be able to tell exactly what it is and the best treatment to help it heal. I hope this helps!

This looks very inflamed and given the severe itching/licking I recommend an urgent physical exam and skin check to rule out infection and identify the underlying trigger such as allergy or immune mediated disease. Referral to a dermatology specialist and biopsy may be worthwhile

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could have been due to a traumatic injury while playing. I think though that it would be a good idea to have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. The main reason is making sure that there is no other traumatic injury present that needs to be addressed. Otherwise, at least on the picture it looks fairly superficial so you can plan on applying a thin film of triple antibiotic twice daily until you see your veterinarian. Good luck!

This looks like lip fold dermatitis or inflammation on the moist skin around the mouth. Applying a drying antiseptic such as salt water or a chlorhexidine rinse can be very effective, antiinflammatory and antibiotic medications may be required if not resolving in 7-10days or if it becomes painful

It looks like your dog could be suffering from lip fold pyoderma, an infection of the skin on the lower lip. Often oral antibiotics are needed at least initially to treat this condition. For now clean the area with mild soap and then keep it as dry as possible. If your dog is running with his foot an e-collar can help stop this until he gets in to see the vet, to check and see if this is indeed his problem.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria or fungal). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics or antifungal meds (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can be possibly started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Ouch, poor Kobi. I don't see any bleeding, and it doesn't appear as if the bite is deep. Gently wash the area with warm water, and keep an eye on it. If you see any redness, swelling, pus, or it's warm to the touch, then it's infected and he will have to see a vet. Best of luck.