Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My nursing dog has a breast wound not healing. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

Hello Doctor! I am from India and we have this stray dog in the neighbourhood who is a nursing mom who has developed mastitis kind of wound in her breasts. I have attached pics of her wound. Her wound has been there since 5 days. We have been giving her antibiotics and an antiseptic cum fly repellant spray as prescribed by the local doctor. Though it seems her wound is drying up, still it isn't healed much as of now. I am worried if something else should be done. Please take a look at it! Thanks

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

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

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 27th, 2017

The best thing to do is to clean the wound well each day. You have to also make sure that the wound does not have maggots in it, because these will make the wound much worse. The fly spray is OK for outside the wound, but is not good for inside the wound and will delay healing. I recommend flushing the wound with clean water twice a day to help it heal quicker. I do not recommend applying any soaps or antiseptics like iodine to the wound, because this can also delay healing. I know this may seem contrary to what you have been told, but please trust that this is the best way to treat a wound. Here is a link to a video that does a good job of explaining how to flush a wound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMpP4zpyrPs These wounds take a while to heal, so with daily flushing, it will take at-least three weeks until it is completely healed. I hope that helps and Pilly gets better soon.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is my female rat pregnant? What are the visual signs of rat pregnancy?
Frustrated trying to tell if your rat is pregnant from a photo? A Petco vet explains why a physical exam or sonogram is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored