My newborn puppy's docked tail skin is exposed. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Female | unspayed | 3 days old
My newborn puppies tail was docked a few days again it was healing fine. Then waking up this morning I saw the skin had slid back from the tail and exposing the part under the skin. What can I do to help her?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 23rd, 2020
The part may be getting infected. 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. 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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 11th, 2017
Poor pups. You can gently cleanse the area with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water; however, they ultimately need to be treated with oral antibiotics and unfortunately that requires a prescription from your vet. The infected tissue may also need to be debrided in order for it to heal properly, but the vet has to evaluate this in person. Here are some financial resources that may be able to help. Carecredit.com Redrover.org You can also search for low cost clinics in your area for more cost effective options to help take care of your pups.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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