Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
My dog has a red, lifted spot above his mouth. Vet or home care?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 56 lbs
Hello, my dog, who is a blue heeler / black lab, has this spot above his mouth. I noticed it the other day but it was only a light brown spot. I looked at it again today and now it has a red circling the brown. It's kinda lifted and my dog doesnt seem to be bothered by it when I touch it. I'm wondering if I need to take him to the vet or if I can grab something from a pet store or if it will go away on it's own. Thank you.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 25th, 2019
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 scratching (if any).
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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on February 12th, 2019
That small red patch could be a few things. It may be nothing, maybe he hit his head going underneath the table. He could also be the beginning of something like a hotspot. At this point you can either take him in to see his veterinarian or you can monitor the lesion. Watch for any signs of itching or progression. If these are noted he should see his doctor. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 14th, 2017
Hello, I am sorry to hear of your concern for Kilo. It looks as though this could be an insect bite reaction, if it is just a single location. Other possibilities could be a minor injury from something outside, a focal area of dermatitis, or less likely a fungal infection like ringworm. Without seeing Kilo in person, it is impossible to say for certain what this red spot is, but I would continue to monitor it daily at home. If it increases in size, opens and begins oozing or becomes ulcerated, or more spots appear then a visit to the vet is needed!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 12th, 2018
It is hard to tell from the picture, but is there a discharge or an actual opening to the area. If there is then you can keep it clean with mild soap and water until you can get to the vet as it may need antibiotics from being infected. If the area is just red with no breaks in the skin, then I would rotate Neosporin with cortisone cream to apply topically to help it heal. If it spreads or changes, then I would get it checked by your vet.
It may be from bug bite or getting scratched out side.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful