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My dog's leg sore won't heal, she keeps licking it. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 65 lbs

My dog has been digging and opened a sore on her pad that is above her paw on her leg, she has been licking it and it won't get better, we've tried to tape it with some Neosporin but she keeps biting the tape off, what do I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 10th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend a plastic cone to go around Kali's head to prevent her from licking / chewing at the sore. She will likely need an ointment more effective than neosporin. I would recommend buying a plastic cone at the pet store and using an ointment such as Zymox topica ointment. If the sore worsens I would then schedule an examination with your veterinarian so that the most appropriate treatment recommendations can be made. The vet can prescribe a better ointment than neosporin to help prevent infection and relieve any inflammation. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 24th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend buying a plastic cone (called an Elizabethan collar) from Petco and place the cone around Boscoe's neck to help prevent him from licking at the area. You can continue applying the medication but keep his tongue off of it. The cone is the best way to stop this licking. You can also use the inflatable tubes that also go around the neck. Some dogs find these more comfortable and less stressful. Both can be found at your local Petco. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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