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How to treat my dog's infected puncture wound at home this weekend?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 40 lbs

Hi, I took my dog to the groomer today and they found a small puncture like would on her side that appears to be infected. I assume she got it from playing with our cat. It's about the size of a pencil eraser with an obvious needle like hole in the center. The surrounding area is a bit swollen and they said when pressed on blood came out. I can't take my dog to the vet until Monday. Is there a way I can dress or salve the wound to get thru the weekend?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2020

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You should clean the wound twice daily with cotton buds and ideally 4% chlorxhexidine or iodine solution (available over the counter at pharmacies). If you are not able to get these antiseptic products, you should use just boiled, warm water. Also, please make sure that Ponyo is not licking or scratching the wound. Putting a head cone may be necessary. Dressing wounds in dogs is often cumbersome. If the puncture is on the chest or the abdomen you can put a small t-shirt on Ponyo to cover it up..

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello. I would pick up a skin cleanser like Hibiclens, available at all pharmacies, & gently clean the are at least twice a day. You can then apply a little triple antibiotic or Neosporin to the area. If the wound is in an area that Ponyo is licking, you may need to go to a pet store & pick up an Elizabethan collar to keep her from bothering the wound. Then, contact your veterinarian on Monday for possible further treatment. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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