My dog's lip bruise keeps opening and bleeding. What should I do?

It's unfortunately not possible to post pictures here, it's only possible through our private consultation system. A swollen lip can be caused as a result of a trauma (injury) or insect bite. If it is bleeding a lot I would recommend taking her to the vet as it is quiet difficult to treat at home, it's a delicate location to stop the bleeding or prevent the dog from licking it. If it's just bleeding a little bit and slightly swollen, it is likely to get better within a few days, try to keep the area clean as much as you can, avoid feeding wet food and make sure her water is changed several times a day.

It looks like your dog could be suffering from lip fold pyoderma, an infection of the skin on the lower lip. Often oral antibiotics are needed at least initially to treat this condition. For now clean the area with mild soap and then keep it as dry as possible. If your dog is running with his foot an e-collar can help stop this until he gets in to see the vet, to check and see if this is indeed his problem.

I'm sorry to hear that Milo is hurt! The good thing is that the skin on the actual lips (the hairless part) heals very quickly, especially if there is a small or superficial cut. However, if this is because a mass or lump is on the lip and has suddenly started bleeding, I recommend having Milo seen by a vet as soon as possible to rule out certain forms of cancer. If Milo continues to scratch or rub the area, you can get him an E-collar or "cone" to prevent further trauma. If the area is bleeding profusely and not stopping, Milo should be seen by a vet immediately. I hope this helps and am happy to look at photos of the are and answer any other questions you may have!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could be just an infection though I am suspicious that there is a growth underneath causing this. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. This is severe and no home remedies are expected to improve this. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

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.

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.

It looks like Heaven has suffered from some sort of abrasion on his lower lip. If this is the only area affected then I would not be too concerned. He likely just scraped the muzzle somehow. Typically I would recommend a topical antibiotic ointment but, because of the location, he will probably just lick it off. I would recommend keeping an eye on it for now and if it progresses then have it checked out by your vet.