My 7-month-old dog has a red sore on his nose. Should I worry?

I hate to hear that Bear is having this issue. The sores aren’t likely there from licking but certainly the licking doesn’t help anything. Trauma from rubbing the nose, ringworm (which humans can get) and less likely, an autoimmune condition can all look like this. It looks pretty wide spread on his nose and I recommend to have him seen by his veterinarian to test for make sure there’s no sign of an autoimmune disease. The doctor may recommend to test the lesions as well. Hopefully it’s something that will clear up quickly! I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Poor Max. This type of sore is common from rubbing his nose on a cage door, carpet, dog beds, etc. I would put some neosporin on it twice a day and rub it in. If it isn’t improving, I would have your vet look at it. Your vet will be able to see if he need some oral antibiotics or other meds to help it heal. I hope this helps!

Hello, thank you for your question about Bear. Based on Bear's relatively young age and the photo that you have provided I would be suspicious that Bear is experiencing a mild bacterial or viral infection in this area. Puppies are often more susceptible to viruses such as the papilloma virus more than adult dogs, this virus typically forms cauliflower like growths in/around the mouth, but certain forms can be more mild and not lead to these signs. It is possible that Bear has a bacterial infection, these are usually fairly benign and self limiting. Another possibility is that Bear is experiencing sensitivity or an allergy to something in his environment leading to this lesion. Some dogs are very sensitive to certain types of food bowls or toys, and can develop these lesion secondary to this. I would recommend having Bear evaluated by your veterinarian so that they can examine the lesion and Bear's mouth. They can discuss the need for additional diagnostics such as an impression smear or gentle sampling of the area. Depending on these findings they can then make recommendations for necessary treatments such as antibiotics. Hope this helps, good luck!

The most common reason that we will see a small raw area on the inside of the nostril is due to irritation of some type. That can be something as simple as a scratch from a stick or toy that will take some time to heal. I typically do not recommend applying anything to the area because it can make dogs try to lick or rub the area more which can make it take longer to heal. If your vet has examined it and is not concerned, then I would just recommend monitoring it. I would expect that it will slowly resolve as long as Otis is not continuing to irritate it. If it does not resolve in a couple of weeks or appears to be enlarging, then I would certainly have your veterinarian examine it again. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. This can be several things. She may have picked up a bacterial infection while rooting around in the soil. This could also be some kind of allergic reaction or possibly even an immune-mediated response. You should have your veterinarian check this out as the right diagnosis will led to the correct treatment ( if anything is necessary ), especially if it is getting worse. Hope all is well & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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 can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid rubbing/scratching if any. 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.

Thank you for posting the picture. It is really helpful. This lesion could be many things, and an examination with a veterinarian would be the first step toward a diagnosis and treatment plan. In my experience lesions such as this one in a young dog are usually either a histiocytoma, eosinophilic furunculosis, or ringworm. All of these can pop up quickly, and they are all treated differently. A histiocytoma is a benign tumor that will usually resolve within 4-6 weeks. The others need medications. A veterinarian can do a needle aspirate to help make the diagnosis and determine what the best treatment plan should be. Best of luck and I hope Tank improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.