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Dog's nose swollen, not bothering him. What can I do at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male

Hi, my lab has a a lesion around his nose region. It came on gradually and doesn't bother him. I initially thought it was a insect bite which is irritated but I'm not too sure. I've tried some medicated conditioner/topical antibiotics on his nose region but he keeps licking it! Please let me know what you think/what I should do - vet fees are immensely high where I live so if you could provide some cheap alternatives/tips that would be great :)

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 21st, 2017

Poor guy. I can understand your hesitation to take him in. It does look swollen and could very welll just be a bug bite. I would continue the small thin layer of Neosporin twice a day and continue to monitor this thing. You can also try cold compresses on it (if tolerated) for roughly 5 mins twice a day. There isn’t much else you can do for this that is available over the counter. If it does not improve or resolve within a week or two, then you will need to get your vet involved unfortunately. A skin mass would be the number one suspicion if it does not resolve itself, and a biopsy or fine needle aspirate will be the next step towards identifying what kind of mass it is.
Hopefully this resolves on its own and you don’t have to go that route. Best of luck to you and MJ. I hope everything works out well for him. Take care.
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