My dog has a red sore on his tail. Is it a tick, cut, or infection?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Jack. Not sure what this is but you should have your veterinarian examine this. It's possible it's a tumor, ruptured sebaceous cyst, puncture wound, foreign body, or other. Your vet can evaluate the lesion and advise treatment based on their findings. Once a diagnosis is made, a sound treatment plan can be implemented. Good luck

Most of the time ticks will leave behind an area of irritation. As long as it is not bothering Jack, I would just keep an eye on it. If you are not on oral tick / flea prevention, I would strongly recommend putting Jack on something as a monthly preventive. If it begins to look infected, then I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at it so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Jack. He will need to see his veterinarian this week. The wound will likely be cleaned and the surrounding hair shaved to further evaluate it. Regardless of the cause, he will likely require antibiotics. In the meantime prevent him from scratching the area. You may check his ears as well. Some dogs with ear infections will cause self trauma from scratching itchy ears. Check for any redness or debris in the ears. I hope this information helps!

Poor Tiger. Wash the wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it.

Poor Sassy! She could have injured herself causing the sore, or she could be very itchy leading her to bite in that area thus creating the sore. I would gently clean the sore warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep her from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

Without an image, it is difficult to say if there is infection. Place an e-collar (cone) on Suzy to prevent further licking. Keep the area clean and dry. You can use diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) to clean the area. This may be enough to allow for healing. Monitor for lethargy, fever, discomfort, discharge, redness, swelling or odor. These are symptoms that may indicate infection and should be addressed by your veterinarian.

These look like little crusts associated with a skin infection. Your dog was probably chewing his tail excessively and caused the skin infection. If it is localized to only the tail he probably will not need antibiotics. You can try to use a topical antibiotic ointment on the area to help clear it up. If you cannot get it to clear up or if it begins to spread I would recommend taking Louie in to the vet to be checked out.