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My 7-month-old dog has a red sore on his nose. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 24 days old | 40 lbs

My 7 month old australian shepherd has a red sore on his nose that I just noticed tonight. Yesterday he was at doggy daycare (where vaccinations are required) and three days ago he was at the dog park (where vaccinations may not be able to be enforced). I just introduced new dog food (Blue Buffalo) for dinner at 5pm but only 1/4 cup included with 3/4 cup of regular puppy food. The sore isn't extremely sensitive when I touch it but he does pull away.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 20th, 2017

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While this may be caused by a bite from another dog, from my experience, this looks a little bit more like a wound from nudging something constantly with the nose. Perhaps nudging a door to a crate, or sticking his nose under a door repeatedly. I recommend keeping a close eye on the area, and maybe even getting Bear an E-collar or "cone" so that he does not cause further trauma to the area. I advise against applying antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin as Bear is likely to lick them off quickly. I hope this helps and that all is well with Bear!

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