Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog's nose has a pus-filled pimple. Should I touch it or see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 9 years and 1 month old | 18 lbs

My dog has a pimple looking dot on his nose. It looks like it’s filled with puss. Is it okay for me to touch or should I go to the vet ?

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

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

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 6th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be the site of an infection. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

Vote icon

8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on October 2nd, 2018

    Thank you for including the picture, it is very helpful. Young dogs often get a skin infection that is commonly called “puppy pyoderma”. It can be as mild as 1 or 2 pustules such as what is likely on the sheath if Maverick’s penis, or they can be severe and covered in pustules. I would watch the lesion closely over the next few days and monitor for any others. If he appears to be developing more rather than it going away then I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

    Vote icon

    5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 11th, 2018

    This could be a little pus-filled pimple, a cyst or a little abscess. It could also be a wart or other small tumor. Unfortunately I would have to palpate it in order to give you a more specific answer. I suggest you make an appointment with your vet and have this mass examined. If it is a solid mass, your vet may want to do a little biopsy harvesting cells from the mass with a fine needle which will determine whether this is a growth that will need to be removed. If this "pimple" has some content such as pus, fluid or grease then he may want to empty it.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 5th, 2017

    It sounds like this pimple is infected if it's filled with pus and blood, and Aris should see a vet for it. Do not pop it yourself, as you will introduce more infection into it. The vet can drain it sterilely and can give him antibiotics to treat the infection.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Sponsored