Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog has a puncture wound. Should I clean it or go to the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | spayed | 10 lbs

Looks like puncture wound.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 12th, 2017

This does look like a puncture wound or injury of some sort. I would recommend cleaning it with some dilute iodine solution or dilute hydrogen peroxide. You may also want to apply some topical antibiotic ointment on it as well. If the wound does not appear to be healing over the next 24 hours or if there are multiple areas like this throughout the skin, then I would recommend taking her in to the vet because she may need some oral antibiotics to help the area heal.

Vote icon

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 30th, 2019

    Poor girl. Rani has a puncture wound here cause by either a bite or a sharp object. She needs to see your vet for proper cleaning and probing of the área and a course of antibiotics so that this heals. No topical ointment or creams should be placed on this puncture wound without specific instructions from your vet. Until you can get Rani seen you can clean this with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water only. I hope Rani’s puncture wound heals well soon! Take care.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored