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My puppy got a face scratch from another dog. How do I treat it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Male | neutered | 4 months and 29 days old | 33 lbs

My puppy got a scratch from another dog today, on his face. He paws at it some, but isn't scratching excessively. Do I need to treat the wound, and how?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 22nd, 2019

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Keep the wound clean and dry. You can use just a damp cloth to clean the wound if needed. I would not recommend using any appointments or peroxide is that can cause worsening irritation. It will probably heal up just fine, but if you notice any swelling or discharge I recommend that does it to rule out infection or need for antibiotics.

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 7th, 2017
Oh no, poor Bentley! If it's not bleeding profusely and the scratch itself is small, then you can gently clean it with warm water and antiseptic soap. Keep an eye on the scratch, and if it because red, swollen, warm to the touch, or has pus, then it's infected and he will need to see the vet for antibiotics.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 28th, 2018
Poor guy. I would stop the hydrogen peroxide right away. Hydrogen peroxide actually kills healthy tissue cells and should never be used on wounds in dogs. He must've gotten a knick on his skin that then got infected.

This unfortunately likely needs oral antibiotics prescribed by your vet to heal this well. You can try a hot spot spray over the counter at your local pet store, making sure not to get any in the eyes. It is best to spray on something else first and then rubbing on the area. he should also get an e-collar placed on him to prevent him from scratching this area and making it worse. THe area also needs to be shaved and cleaned with an anti-septic such as Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water or Chlorhexidine solution 3% diluted. If these things don't improve the skin within a day or two, then Denver needs to be seen by your vet for a short couse of oral antibiotics to get this to heal well.
I hope that Devner is able to resolve his skin issues soon! Best wishes and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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