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My dog's nose is raw and bleeding. How do I treat it at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

The very top of my dogs nose is raw and was bleeding the other day. I just want to make sure it's nothing serious. How I can treat it?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 29th, 2015

Your dog may have rubbed it raw, under the couch or through the fence maybe? I suggest washing the area gently with antibacterial soap and water. Apply a warm washcloth 2-3 times a day for five minutes at a time to help keep it clean and draining. After washing and the compress, dry thoroughly and apply a dab of antibiotic ointment that **does NOT** contain hydrocortisone to the wound. Steroids will slow healing. An OTC triple antibiotic ointment will suffice. Rub it in well and don't leave any excess for your pet to lick off. If it does not show signs of healing or if your dog develops a fever, loses his appetite, starts vomiting or has diarrhea have him seen by your veterinarian right away. Potential cause may include allergies, infection, automimmune disease or even cancer. An e-collar (cone) may be used to prevent rubbing or pawing.

62Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Your dog may have rubbed it raw, under the couch or through the fence maybe? I suggest washing the area well with antibacterial soap and water. Apply a warm washcloth to it 2-3 times a day for five minutes at a time to help keep it clean and draining. After washing and the compress, dry it well and apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment that does NOT contain hydrocortisone, like Neosporin to the wound. Steroids will slow healing. Rub it in well and don't leave any excess for your pet to lick off. If it does not show signs of healing or your pet develops a fever, loses his appetite, start vomiting and/or having diarrhea, if the spot becomes reddened, hot and/or hard, get him in to be seen by your veterinarian right away.
37Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on February 13th, 2020
A superficial scrape will generally heal on it's own. You may gently cleanse the area and then pat it dry. Don't put anything on it as it may encourage Tank to lick the area. The problem with the nose is that the tongue can reach it. Protect the area from rubbing and he may need to wear an elizabethan collar. It should heal in 10-14 days. If it does not, if it gets worse or if it looks deep, have him examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on October 29th, 2015
If the wound is superficial and just in the skin, I suggest washing the area well with antibacterial soap and water and make sure to scrub it well to keep the wound open. Apply a warm washcloth to it 2-3 times a day for five minutes at a time to help keep it clean and draining. After washing and the compress, dry it well and apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment that does NOT contain hydrocortisone, like Neosporin to the wound. Steroids will slow healing. Rub it in well and don't leave any excess for your pet to lick off. If it does not show signs of healing or your pet develops a fever, loses his appetite, start vomiting and/or having diarrhea, if the spot becomes reddened, hot and/or hard, get him in to be seen by your veterinarian right away.
20Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on September 11th, 2015
If the wound is superficial and just in the skin, I suggest washing the area well with antibacterial soap and water and make sure to scrub it well to keep the wound open. Apply a warm washcloth to it 2-3 times a day for five minutes at a time to help keep it clean and draining. After washing and the compress, dry it well and apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment that does NOT contain hydrocortisone, like Neosporin to the wound. Steroids will slow healing. Rub it in well and don't leave any excess for your pet to lick off. If it does not show signs of healing or your pet develops a fever, loses his appetite, start vomiting and/or having diarrhea, if the spot becomes reddened, hot and/or hard, get him in to be seen by your veterinarian right away.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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