My dog has an open sore on his lips. What can I do until the vet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Black Mouth Cur | Male | neutered | 3 years and 4 months old | 50 lbs
My dog has an open sore around his lips. He started getting this cold in his lips a couple of weeks ago, I thought it might just be normal, never seen it before but it didn’t seem to be an issue and thought to keep an eye on it. Now he has this sore and I’m not sure what it can be. I have set a vet appointment, but they can’t get me in for another week.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 27th, 2021
It could be skin fold dermatitis, either bacterial or fungal. Until he gets to see the vet, you can try wiping it with a little hydrogen peroxide every day. You can also apply a little Neosporin, but he will probably lick it right off again.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 22nd, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question. This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 22nd, 2019
It is difficult to say for sure what the problem is and therefore difficult to suggest the most appropriate at home treatment. This could be a mass, in which case, no medications over the counter or prescription will help as surgery would be the best option. This could be an area of irritation if Summer was bit on the lip and she has rubbed it so much it has caused this lesion to develop. Salted water baths likely won't help. I would mix betadine and water until you have a light brown solution and wipe the area clean several times per day to see if this helps with any potential infectious cause. If this does not improve, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at Summer so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 9th, 2016
Unfortunately, sores around the mouth are different to treat because pets often lick the medication off. The sore may represent an area of inflammation, infection or possibly an autoimmune skin disease. Monitor the area for worsening and apply an E-collar to prevent scratching. If the sore fails to improve in the next 3-5 days, you should contact your veterinarian.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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