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My dog's tick bite scab fell off, but the wound won't heal. What now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Male | neutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 157 lbs

I pulled a tick off of my dog, Burt, 2 weeks ago. It was engorged but not fully. A scab developed where the tick was. The scab fell off yesterday but the sore has not fully healed. This is on the side of his face. He is acting normal and doesn’t show any other signs that he is in pain. Is there anything I can do to help the wound heal? Or do you recommend taking him to my vet?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 16th, 2018

Hi there, and thank you for posting this question. Ticks produce a lot in inflammation at the site where they feed. It is very common for tick reaction sites to be present for a few weeks.’ During that time it should be receding . However, if Burt is licking or scratching it he may have caused a secondary infection. If there is discharge, foul odor, or if seems to be getting larger rather than smaller then I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 16th, 2017

    Unfortunately bite wounds can harbor bacteria that require systemic antibiotics. If your dog's wound hasn't healed after several weeks, he needs to be seen by a veterinarian to have the wound cleaned well and to be placed on an appropriate oral antibiotic. Shampoos and powders do not really help long term/do not kill the ticks unless they are actually attached at the time of application. I would recommend a preventative such as a Seresto collar (probably best at actually repelling) or a topical such as Advantix, or an oral product like Nexgard or Bravecto. Your vet's office may carry one or more of these products, or be able to order one for you.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 24th, 2019

    It should heal up OK at home. You can use this wound spray on it. If after 4-5 days it does not look a lot better then Scout should be examined by your vet. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-for-dogs )

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I pulled a tick off Jake three weeks ago. It scabbed over, then the scab looked “wet” so about ten days ago I pulled it off and cleaned the wound real good. Tonight I noticed it was still hard and scabby and not looking better. I pulled the scab off
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