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My dog's neck wound hurts. How to apply ointment and stop itching?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 6 months old | 30.03 lbs

My dog has recently been attacked by another dog, which caused a deep cut on his neck(right under his mouth). He's not letting anyone touch the area. When applying the oinment, he's getting violent and scaring me. How should I apply the oinment on the neck wound? And how to stop him itching that area?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 5th, 2017

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 27th, 2018
Poor Mishka! Peroxide will irritate the skin further and prevent healing. It does kill germs, so to use it one time just after a wound occurs is ok, but otherwise its is not a good choice for wound care. Shave the hair from the area and you can apply some dog hydrocortisone 1% cream (available at most pet stores). Wipe it clean once a day with just plain water and a clean soft cloth. If its not looking better in 2-3 days, or if she starts itching elsewhere or the itchy area starts oozing, or is getting better or looking worse, get her to a vet sooner. You can also use tube socks on her back feet (the feet I assume she is scratching with) to soften the scratching and help minimize how much trauma the scratching is causing. Use clean tube socks that are thick enough that her nails don't poke through, and use duct tape ON THE OUTSIDE of the sock and not on her skin or fur. DO NOT USE RUBBER BANDS.
Take the socks off when she goes outside so they don't get wet or dirty, and put them on when she comes in. If you need to do this for more than 2 days, you need to take her in (if the itching isn't improving).
I hope thats helpful!
Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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