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How to tell if my dog's bite wound is healing or an abscess?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 11 months and 23 days old | 65 lbs

My dog got attacked the other day by another dog and has a very small bite wound behind her ear that I've been treating with chlorhexidine (2%) and polysporin. I've received instructions on how to treat this from a vet tech and online. I'm just worried that it will turn into an abscess and I'd like to get a vets opinion on how well it's healing. Below I've attached photos of how the wound looks so far. Her skin is very pink because she just overcame mange and the hair didn't grow back there.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on March 21st, 2018

This looks fine. I like that it is open still so any infection can drain out. There will be increased heat and swelling and there will be more pain if an abscess is developing. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Phoenix.

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