My dog's collar embedded in his neck. Should I take him to the vet?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Panda! This is a tough situation! With out seeing the extend of the neck wound it is hard to give advice. I would go the pet store and find the bitter apple spray or lick guard and apply in on the skin (not the stitches) near the testicle area to discourage licking. Then I would consider a donut or softer E-collar to prevent rubbing and licking that hopefully won't continue to irritate the neck. But since the throat wound hasn't improved in 4 days you should have Panda rechecked sooner than Thursday. Maybe if it has been 10 days since the surgeries the stitches can be removed then. I hope this helps and feel free to repost with a picture of the neck wound.

Many corporate animal hospitals such as VCA and Banfield offer free first exams which can save you a $50-$85 office visit fee. In addition, many local ASPCA’s and humane societies offer low cost veterinary care. I strongly recommend calling around and making an appointment for Angel to be seen. Topical over the counter neosporin may not be adequate and would not be recommended if the holes are deep. Cleaning/flushing of the wounds with dilute chlorhexidine antiseptic and a course of oral antibiotics such as Simplicef will likely be prescribed. Pending the appearance of the skin, a topical steroid/antibiotic ointment and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as Rimadyl (carprofen) for pain may also be dispensed. Do not administer ibuprofen or acetaminophen as they are toxic to dogs. Good luck!

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!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you can keep the E-collar or onesie on him to prevent him from licking it should heal up just fine. Leave the E-collar/onesie on for at least 7-10 days. You do not need to apply anything to the incision; just leave it be. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. She could have developed some skin irritation from her wet collar rubbing on her skin. I recommend keeping the collar off for now and not letting her swim or get wet for at least the next few days. I would not put any more neosporin or other ointments on the area, as this can trap moisture and delay healing. If the area gets worse or you notice other areas becoming affected, Kenya should be seen by a veterinarian. I hope this is helpful!

It is sure possible. I would recommend an examination with a veterinarian. They will likely want to shave the fur under the neck to visualize the extent of the trauma as well as to establish a clean area for healing. Antibiotics may be needed. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach

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.