My pet has scratch marks around a nipple for a week. What to do?

A picture may be helpful. But based on your description, I would recommend that you clean it with a sterile saline wound wash ( usually available in a can at most pharmacies) only. Please do not use alcohol or peroxide as that will only damage the tissues. You can also try a wound care product such as [Vetericyn Hydrogel](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-wound-and-skin-hydrogel-for-pets). If it is not improving after a few days, or if she stops eating or is acting lethargic, or the wound is oozing pus, she needs to see a veterinarian. Thanks for asking Boop by Petco!

Hi, and thanks for your question. Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) may be needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

This nipple was irritated by a scrape or insect bite I think, then Mishi started licking it excessively causing it to be more inflammed today with the hair loss. I recommend using a cone on him to prevent licking. Then clean the area with hydrogen peroxide and you can apply a thin film of cortisone cream on it to soothe the skin. If it isn’t improving then you should bring him in for an exam and treatment. This will continue to get worse if he keeps licking the area. Thanks for using Boop by Petco to help you care for Mishi.

Ouch, poor Sir Scratch! I would gently clean the area with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

You're correct. It looks like a minor scrape. I would not be worried about it. You can put some Neosporin (or similar) on it 2-3 times per day if you would like. Thanks for the photos! Hope this helps. Best wishes!

First of all i do not know if she is spayed, if she isn't it could be a first sign of mammary gland tumor and it needs to be checked by a vet. if she is spayed it's probably a skin issue, either an allergy, bacterial or fungal infection.

It's possible he accidentally caught the nipple while scratching. I do however see a few rad places on his skin and it looks to be some sort of a rash. It's likely Dester was scratching at the rash. Pets can get rashes for many reasons including allergies, skin mites, flea bites, ringworm (which humans can get) or a bacterial infection. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the lesions with soap once a day and rinse well (don't wash his whole body, just those spots). Protect the areas from licking or scratching (he may need to wear an elizabethan collar). If they don't start looking better within about a week or if they get worse, have him examined by his veterinarian who may prescribe medications. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

This looks like the nipple and surrounding skin is inflammed from an injury or contact with something irritating. You can clean the area with a warm wet cloth. I wouldn't put anything on it as that may make him lick it. This should improve over the next few days. If it gets worse, more discharge or he's itching the area then I would take him in for an exam. He may need an antibiotic injection and something to reduce the inflammation. From the photo this is nothing to be overly concerned about. Thanks for using Boop by Petco to help you care for Harper.

This is likely a small bug bite or an inflammatory reaction to some type of trauma (puncture, scratch, abrasion) to the skin. You can try cleaning it with a small amount of Betadine diluted 50:50with warm water, letting it air dry, and then applying a thin layer of Neosporin to the area twice a day to see if this can start to heal over the next few days.. Also an e-collar purchased from your local pet store can be placed on Simba to prevent her from scratching this area and causing more irritation as well as delaying the healing process. If this doesn't help then its best to see your vet to have this area investigated closely and in person. The vet may also want to shave the hair around it to get a better view and prescribe topical pet friendly antibiotics to help this heal. Best wishes with your kitty Simba and I hope this wound resolves soon. Take care.

I don't think this looks too concerning but if you are worried you should take him to your vet for an exam. If you want to try something on him at home, I would suggest you try this product. If no improvement with using this then he should definitely see your vet. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-hot-spot-antimicrobial-gel-for-dogs )