My dog has a sore. Is it serious? What can I put on it before the vet?

I highly recommend bringing Boo to a veterinarian. This needs to be cleaned up and most likely needs antibiotics. I am concerned because in the picture it looks like a growth and if that is the case it is recommended to remove it. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could be just an infection though I am suspicious that there is a growth underneath causing this. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. This is severe and no home remedies are expected to improve this. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a small focus of infection. It could be due to allergies or even just secondary to minor trauma. You can try to shave around it and clean it. If it continues to look superficial (as it looks on the picture), you can consider applying a thin film of triple antibiotic on it in case it is just a mild infection. If it does not resolve within 1 week of starting such treatment, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lee! Based on your photo is appears to be either a pyoderma (skin infection) or a hot spot (superficial skin infection). Because it is getting worse quickly, make an appointment tomorrow to get your Vet to look at ti. They will likely prescribe antibiotics, something for the itch, and maybe a topical. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to know without being able to examine her. This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

I am sorry Gracious is having this issue. I recommend taking Gracious to your veterinarian tomorrow. The area will need to be cleaned up and make sure there is no infection underneath the skin also like an abscess. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics but also may want to aspirate the area to make sure there is no abscess. I hope Gracious feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, this looks like a local irritation. If he wears a harness, you may need to adjust it or leave it off for a couple of days. Rubbing a small dab of 1% cortisone cream on the area twice a day should help, but stop after 72 hours, or sooner if the area becomes more irritated or redder. Then, please see your veterinarian to diagnose things further. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.