Dog sores can come about for a wide variety of different reasons. They may range from minor injuries that will heal themselves in a matter of days to chronic and more serious issues that develop as a result of some underlying condition. If your pet has a sore, you'll likely notice by his changes in behavior if nothing else. Most dogs will tend to pick and scratch at their sores or, if the sore is within reach of your pet's mouth, he may lick and chew at it. All of these behaviors will ultimately do more to prevent the sore from healing and lead to infection. There are, however, several good home remedies that make use of products you're likely to have around the house.
Antibiotic Cream
Antibiotic creams like Neosporin will work just as well on dogs as they will on humans. The function of these creams to is help the wound or sore to heal up more quickly and to prevent infection. Each cream of this type has a mild antibacterial agent in it that will prevent bad bacteria from growing in or around the sore. Be sure to thoroughly clean off the sore with water and a towel before you apply the antibiotic cream. You'll also need to be sure that your dog doesn't try to eat or lick up the cream, as this tends to upset his stomach.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains mild acids that will help to prevent bad bacteria from forming and growing in or around an open sore. The process of treating an open sore with vinegar of this type requires that you first clean off and then thoroughly dry the sore. Apply a small amount of apple cider vinegar to the dried, cleaned sore with a towel or a cotton ball. Be sure to soothe your pet as you do this, because the acids may sting him as you apply the vinegar. Reapply vinegar every few hours.
Saline Solutions
In some cases, a saline solution may be helpful in stimulating regeneration of skin tissue and helping the sore to heal properly. Mix salt in with water until it's thoroughly dissolved. Clean up the wound with pure water and then rub it down gently with the saline solution. This solution can also be used to clean up a wound or sore before you apply the other substances found on this list.
If your dog's open sores persist, or if the solutions found here don't help to heal your pet or seem to cause the sores to become worse, plan to take your dog to the vet for an inspection as soon as possible. Always be on the lookout for additional symptoms that may indicate some more serious disease or condition.