My dog's gash is leaking fluid. Should I stop using peroxide?

Poor pup! If the wound isn't healing, it's likely that it is infected and will need prescription antibiotics to treat it effective. Because of this, I would recommend taking your dog to the vet tomorrow morning for an exam - he/she can take a look at the wound and determine what is needed to treat it. In the meantime, if you're able to gently clip the hair and matted discharge from over the wound, this should be fine to do. You can also gently clean the area with some warm water and antibacterial soap. I would not recommend using peroxide, as this may sting and often causes additional tissue damage and irritation which can make healing more difficult.

Peroxide is not recommended since it may sting and could cause microscopic damage which may delay healing. You can use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution once or twice daily. Thoroughly dry the area afterwards and prevent pawing or rubbing. Ideally, Chuey should be seen by your vet for diagnosis and treatment. She may need antibiotics and pain medications.

Depending on how large the wound is, it may heal faster if sutured closed. If not deep, keep her from scratching and keep it clean. I would not recommend she go swimming if the wound is still open as they may lead to infection. But if relatively healed she should be fine. If need to clean use only gently soap and water. Daily applications of peroxide will actually inhibit healing.

Poor Lucy! I'm seeing some discharge from her wound, but I don't think I see any pus. I would gently clean it 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, I hope this helps!

I don’t appreciate any parasites from these photos but the only thing I could think of that would be in a wound like that would be maggots and typically they’re crawling on top and inside the tissue. This looks like a pretty extensive wound with a deep infection and I really think she should be on oral antibiotics as well as something a little bit stronger to use topically on the wound. Hydrogen peroxide is not indicated for this. Hydrogen peroxide will destroy not only the bad tissue but also the good tissue that’s trying to come in so, in essence it delays healing. so, whatever you do stop using hydrogen peroxide. I can understand trying to want to deal with this at home but I think she really needs to see your veterinarian at this point.

Tasha needs to visit her veterinarian in order to treat this properly. She has an abscess or deep pocket of infection that needs to be properly flushed out and then she will require a prescription antibiotic that she will take for 1-2 weeks to treat the infection. It is also important that the veterinarian examine her teeth as this is a common site for an abscessed tooth to be the underlying cause of the abscess. It is possible that she may need a tooth extraction or other dental work. Treating this with peroxide alone is not going to clear up the infection. Please see your regular veterinarian ASAP. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. This looks like a pretty significant little pyoderma going on. Loki may need a stronger medication than the Neosporin to treat this, & the peroxide can actually hinder healing if used too much. Switch to an antimicrobial skin cleaner like Hibiclens ( available at any pharmacy ) & stop using the peroxide. You can continue the Neosporin, but I would encourage you to see your vet in case another treatment is necessary. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.