My dog's lip is sore and she's rubbing her face. Vet visit needed?

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!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sores on the lip can be caused by many different factors, but most likely is she chewed on something that has caused a wound. Other possible causes are immune diseases that attach the junction between the lip and the haired skin, however this is very unlikely given her age and the localized region. It does look like the wound might be infected however, so getting it seen by a vet to see if antibiotics are required is a good idea. If it doesn't bother her, and she is eating/drinking ok, then you can try just keeping it clean with a salt-water solution, and monitor. If it looks better every day then keep monitoring, but if it isn't better after a couple days, or looks worse at all, then bring her to a vet right away. Do not apply any medications/creams, just keep it clean with salt-water. If she is pawing/scratching at it then an E-collar to prevent more trauma can help it heal, and if it is bothering her getting it seen by a vet is a good idea. Best of luck with Ozzy!

Poor guy! Your can try this: It won’t hurt him if he licks it off. However, if it’s not improving in 5 days or so, I would recommend that you schedule a recheck with your vet. I’m worried he may need antibiotics, as he may have a deep skin infection. If it continues to be a problem , a skin biopsy may be recommended. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the photo (thanks for attaching one!) it mostly looks like irritation. This could be from chewing a toy, her bowls, etc. It does not seem to be a truly pressing matter-and especially so if it does not bother her. However-if it persists or worsens, I would try calling your local vet to see if they can take a look or prescribe you some antibiotic ointment to help clear the area of secondary bacterial infection. I hope this helps and puts you at ease!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Daisy. I am glad that she has an appointment with her veterinarian. She may have an infection around her lips and could require an antibiotic. She may require testing to rule out ringworm and mites. If it is determined that it is not an infection, then I would consider a food allergy or an autoimmune disease. Try to keep the area clean in the meantime. I hope this information helps!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. I would recommend having a vet take a look at his mouth as he may have oral pain due to severe dental disease. If he has caused mouth sores from rubbing his mouth on the carpet, you can use zymox topical ointment or malacetic conditioning spray to help relieve any discomfort from the sores and prevent secondary infection. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

Hi, I would recommend to have it checked over. Sutro could benefit from some pain relief and some medications to reduce the swelling. It should not be anything life threatening but obviously the sooner the better in terms of making her comfortable. Hope this helps and thank you fr using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.