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My dog has lick granuloma. How to clean and heal without bandages?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 11 months old | 70 lbs

I think my dog has lick granuloma we have been trying to keep it clean bandage his wound but he just keeps getting the bandage off. We are very worried about infection possibly happening what can i use to keep it clean?? Please help

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 16, 2017

I've found cleaning this with antibacterial soap, rinsing well, drying the area and then applying an antibacterial ointment on it will protect it from infection. I prefer to use a restraint collar so Diesel can't lick it, rather than using a bandage. Leaving the area open to the air promotes faster healing. These can be difficult to heal so preventing the licking is very important. Some veterinarians give antibiotics and anti inflammatory medication as well as treating the area with a cold laser which speeds the healing. Keeping Diesel busy with exercise and playtime will help also as this is often made worse by boredom and stress. Be patient these can take weeks to months to fully resolve. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Diesel.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 6, 2020
Lick granuloma's should be allowed to have oxygen, because tissues need oxygen to heal. If this is the only way to keep her from licking it, then another course of treatment should be sought. I would recommend consulting with your vet who can get her on a longer more effective treatment for this, such as medication specifically designed for treating lick granulomas. Also any secondary infections need to be treated with oral antibiotics, as most of the problem with these lies just underneath the skin where topical medictaion cannot reach.

I would also consider soaking the paw in a Betadine solution diulted 50:50 with water. This can really help cut down on the bacterial load. Then do a sterile saline flush of the area for several minutes after.
Here is more information on lick granulomas and the various treatments available to pets --> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951978

Best of luck with your pet Angel and finally resolving this lick granuloma. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog's leg wound is dark from licking. How can I help it heal?

The most important thing to do is stop his licking by using a cone. Then clean the wound with a warm damp cloth and apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. The skin discoloring is from licking. This should heal in a few days to a week once he leaves it alone. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

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Is it safe to remove the black surface of my dog's lick granuloma?

In general, the thick dark base of a lick granuloma is simply thickened tissue. There isn't any fluid or infection to be drained. Removing dried or calloused tissue will make the licking worse and can turn a lick granuloma into something that will never heal. If there is an overgrowth of malassezia (yeast) your vet may recommend topical miconazole, but often once the area is dry, it is best to not apply anything that may contribute to the licking, but instead keep it covered to prevent licking and allow healing. Once the source of irritation (licking) is removed, the body will slowly allow the thickened tissue to thin out and return to normal. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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What can I put on my dog's cut to heal it faster and stop licking?

A picture of Vinnie's wound or more or of a description of its size and location would be helpful in giving you advice. If it is a small wound on the skin (less than a centimeter in size) you could try gently cleaning the area with hydrogen peroxide and applying a triple antibiotic ointment to help it heal. However, if Vinnie's wound is larger or not healing within a few days I'd recommend he see a veterinarian for evaluation. If the wound is large enough he may need antibiotics or even stitches to help it heal. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach 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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My dog's groomer cuts won't heal due to licking. What can I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The most important thing to try to make these go away will be preventing her from getting at them and you can easily do that by having her wear an e-collar which you may obtain from your local pet store or online. Also, you could use triple antibiotic ointment on these for 3-5 days. This will likely take care of this issue. Good luck and have a good night!

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My dog won't stop licking his wound. What can I do besides a cone?

Poor Panda! Unfortunately the safest and most effective thing in this case is going to be the E-collar. Ask your vet for tips on sizing and securing it to Panda. In some cases, a little anti-anxiety medication or sedation for a day or two can really help him keep that cone on. If it is truly a small graze, it is likely to heal in the next couple days as long as he keeps away from it. I also recommend keeping him inside if at all possible for the next couple days.

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