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My dog has a pus-filled bump on his snout. Is it infection? Benadryl?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 6 years and 7 months old | 55 lbs

My dog has a big pus filled bump that appeared on his snout right above his nose. There are a couple of smaller pimple like bumps near the site that look like whiteheads. The big bump is very lumpy and uneven, red and very pus like. Could it be a bug bite or infection? I am not able to take him to the vet tomorrow, bit will the day after. Can i give him benadryl?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ann Dion, DVM

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 30th, 2017

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Those bumps do not look like a bug bite reaction as but bite reactions are usually haired swellings in the skin. I would be worried that these are an infection or masses of a different type (benign (non-cancerous) masses or more concerningly a cancerous mass). If they popped up quickly then they are more likely infection. I would recommend not giving Benedryl, putting an e-collar on Kelso so that he can't scratch them open, and get him to a vet as soon as possible for testing and medications. Best of luck with Kelso.
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