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My dog keeps scratching a wound. Is it infected? Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 90 lbs

It started off as a small little scrape and now it turned into this! I think it's from him scratching and digging at it making it worse. But he won't stop scratching. Anything I can do to help? Or is taking him to a vet the best option.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 9th, 2017

Ouch, poor Jed! Yes, you are correct that scratching and digging at this little scrape has probably made it much worse, and it looks like it is infected from your pictures. At this point in time, he needs to see a vet for it so it can be treated. He may need antibiotics if any infection is present, which can only be prescribed by a vet. I would put a cone on him to keep him from scratching at it further. You can get a cone from a pet store or you can make one at home, and I will put a link below on how to make one at home. I would take Jed into a vet today if your vet is still open for normal business hours; otherwise, take him into a vet first thing in the morning. I hope this helps! http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello, sorry to hear about Jed. That is a hot spot and you're right his scratching and digging at it has caused it to progressed to what it is now. The are needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian so that he can have it clipped, cleaned and be given medications to stop the itchiness and treat the local infection. In the mean time, I would suggest putting an e-collar (cone) on him so that he cannot scratch the area. This can be causes by allergies, fleas, or other infectious that may case him to feel itchy. I hope this helps and best of luck.

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