Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome 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 scratch and swollen knot near his eye. Vet or home care?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 7 months old | 25 lbs

Ruger has a scratch on his cheek under his eye, he woke up the other day & it was a big knot about the size of a golf ball maybe. It’s going down slowly. Question is should he be seen by a vet or can I take care of this at home & if so, how?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Published on February 1st, 2021


Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths 2 times daily. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching (if any). If the wound seems deeper than shown on the picture or it is not healing in the next 4 days, a check up would be needed to evaluate a stitch up and possibly antibiotics.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Published on September 2nd, 2019

    These wounds are infected for definitions and although a picture of it would help to give you specific advices, I would recommend an immediate check up perform appropriate disinfection and give antibiotics.
    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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share

Styled arrow button