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My dog got a tiny cat scratch on his face. Should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 57 lbs

my dog got scratched from a stray cat in the face and its a tiny scratch so quickly rushed to my house and put some betadine in a piece of cotton and rubbed gently. and he was vaccinated like two weeks ago. should i see a veteranian?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 3rd, 2019

No need to rush Sheru into a vet now. I would gently clean his wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Anna M., DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 20th, 2019
Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Poor King! You did exactly right - keep the scratch clean with mild soapy water. You can also apply a small amount of neosporin to the scratch. It will likely heal just fine. Keep an eye on it for any signs of infection: redness, swelling, thick pus-like discharge, that would require a trip to the vet for antibiotics.

Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 31st, 2019
Ouch, poor Coco. These could get infected. I would gently clean the wounds with warm water and antiseptic soap. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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