My dog keeps licking a bite wound. Should I use cream or cover it?

If they are play fighting a lot, then you may have to keep them separated until the wound can heal. 1. Clip the hair away from the wound using buzzing-type clippers, not scissors or a razor. This is so you can monitor the wound and keep the hair out of the way to help with healing. 2. Disinfect the wound once with peroxide or a first aid chlorhexidine wound soap. Do not continue to use peroxide, or alcohol, as this will delay healing. 3. Apply an antibacterial ointment, such as Neosporin, twice daily. If needed to clean the wound, use a warm wet wash cloth to gently wipe away any dried fluid. 4. Prevent all licking or scratching of the wound by using an e-collar or dog booties or socks. 5. See a vet if your pet experiences prolonged lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rectal temperature over 103, or if there is creamy discharge or discharge with a foul odor, or there is swelling around the wound.

This is a quite deep and serious wound and would require a stitch up to heal. An immediate check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory/and pain relief medications. Unfortunately persistent licking will cause infection in the long term. 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.

Cover the wound with a sock or tee shirt or something so he can't get to it with his tongue. Dog's usually don't lick wounds because they are itchy, but because this is a natural instinct. If Benji is licking it obsessively, he may prevent it from healing at all, and then you need to visit your vet for a treatment plan.

A picture of Vinnie's wound or more or of a description of its size and location would be helpful in giving you advice. If it is a small wound on the skin (less than a centimeter in size) you could try gently cleaning the area with hydrogen peroxide and applying a triple antibiotic ointment to help it heal. However, if Vinnie's wound is larger or not healing within a few days I'd recommend he see a veterinarian for evaluation. If the wound is large enough he may need antibiotics or even stitches to help it heal. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking.

You have two options: 1. Stop him from licking the leg so you can apply the cream. Either buy him a "cone" collar or you can make one like in this YouTube video. ( https://www.amazon.in/Pet-Wholesale-Elizabethan-Collar-Puppies/dp/B079CFD8XR/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=elizabethan+collar&qid=1564235275&s=gateway&sr=8-6 ) ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1A5tzFwRqk ) OR 2. Call your vet and get some oral antibiotics you can give him instead of treating it topically. This would be the appropriate antibiotic to use for this type of infection. It should be given with food. ( https://www.marshallspetzone.com/health-care/4978-7739-savavet-toxo-mox-500-110-tablets.html#/95-pack-1 )

I would recommend that you have Vicky evaluated by the vet. If he is so painful that he is becoming aggressive, then it is unlikely that ointment will heal it effectively. He probably needs pain medications and oral antibiotics. He should also have the hair clipped away from the wound to prevent additional infection. If he is scratching the wound, then he may need to wear an e-collar/cone to prevent further damage. If the wound is located in an area where the e-collar will rub, you may have to get a little more creative in how you prevent him from scratching, such as using a soft, donut-style cone or bandaging the feet.