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Dog chewed off a wart, leaving a hole. How do I treat the wound?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 3 years and 1 month old | 10 lbs

My dog chewed off his wart. He has a hole in his back. What do we do next?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 2nd, 2016

If there is a good sized hole there then chances are it will need stiches or sutures to close the skin barrier so that this heals properly and doesn't get infected. Until you can get Kronos in to the vet to determine if this is needed, you can cleanse the area with an antiseptic such as iodine (diluted 50:50 with warm water) or chlorhexidine solution 3% (diluted). Also carefully clipping the hair around the hole can help prevent debris trapped on the hair from entering the wound. If the wart was very small and the hole is subsequently not too deep, then it may heal on its own with proper antiseptic cleaning on the first day, followed by sterile saline flushes daily, and keeping the area free from infection.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If the hole is large, appears deep, and is bleeding a lot, you will need to take Kronos into your vet as he may need stitches. If the wound isn't large, deep, and isn't bleeding a lot, I would gently clean the area with warm water and an antibacterial soap. I would not apply any antibiotic creams because Kronos will just lick it off. Keep an eye on the wound, and do not let him lick it. You can get an Ecollar from the pet store to keep him from licking it. Monitor it for signs of redness, infection, or warmth to the touch, which are signs of infection. If you see any signs of infection, you need to take him into the vet for antibiotics.

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