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Can I use topical pain medicine on my dog's wound if she licks it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 16 lbs

Is there a topical substance I can use on my dog for pain when she has a scratch or wound? Something that is not harmful if she licks it. I use triple antibiotic but I want something for pain.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 31st, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Mitzy. Unfortunately there are no topical pain relievers for dogs. If you are concerned she is in pain from a wound, you can get pain medication from the vet. Best of luck.

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Hi, my dog has this weird wound or something on her front leg. She keeps licking it however there is no blood. Just wondering what I should do at home to heal it or if I should definitely take her to the vet.
Such a wound or mass should be addressed by your veterinarian. Place an e-collar (cone) on Mitzy to prevent licking until she sees the vet. Your veterinarian may dispense antibiotics if it is an infection or may aspirate or biopsy it of it is a mass or looks suspicious. Once results are returned, treatment options can be discussed.
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Please clean and flush the wounds with warm water to prevent infection. Put pressure on them if they are bleeding. You can use aspirin for pain. There is a section on this website that has information and dosages for common over the counter medications. You may need a cone so she doesn’t lick the wounds. I do recommend a veterinary exam and treatment if you are able to find care. Thanks for using Boop by Petco to help you care for Bo.
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Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! Sometimes, rest and some topical antiseptic such as Vetericyn wound spray are enough for minor wounds on the paw pads to heal. Vetericyn is available at most Petco locations and on Petco.com, so just apply as labeled topically; it is not harmful if small amounts are swallowed were she to lick it off of the area, though Alivas may need an Elizabethan collar to prevent her from licking the wound to allow it to heal. If the pain persists or the wound continues draining for longer than 1-2 more days, I would recommend having her seen by your Veterinarian, sooner if either her pain or the drainage worsen. Keep her activity level down until healed, especially off of rocks and other rough/sharp surfaces. I hope this helps!
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This could just be from an injury. I would wash Sharyn's wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep her from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. 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 she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it.
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Hi- our dog Kona got a wound when playing with our other dog. She does lick it occasionally, but I want to make sure we are ok to let it heal on its own. Besides licking it, it doesn’t seem to bother her too much. When it happened she didn’t even act
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Kona. Poor girl. I would gently clean her wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep her from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. 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 she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!
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Meibel damaged her dew claw today. It didn’t seem to hurt her all day and it never bled though I can see a dark pulp. But she is licking it a lot. I will take her into the vet but can I do something for pain in the meantime?
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! There is unfortunately nothing you can give for pain that is over the counter. What you can do though that may help prevent further injury and pain is to keep her as quiet as possible and to try to keep her from licking at it until the appointment as that in itself can help with pain. Other than that, your veterinarian will do the rest tomorrow. Have a good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery!
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I would recommend that you have Vicky evaluated by the vet. If he is so painful that he is becoming aggressive, then it is unlikely that ointment will heal it effectively. He probably needs pain medications and oral antibiotics. He should also have the hair clipped away from the wound to prevent additional infection. If he is scratching the wound, then he may need to wear an e-collar/cone to prevent further damage. If the wound is located in an area where the e-collar will rub, you may have to get a little more creative in how you prevent him from scratching, such as using a soft, donut-style cone or bandaging the feet.
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