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My dog got a stick in paw and is limping. Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 12 days old | 65 lbs

My dog got part of a stick stuck in his paw. It bled a little and has since stopped bleeding. I can't find the entry point on his paw and he let me touch it a little. He was limping a bit but still tried to go run and play with his sister. They're both kenneled now and chewing on bones to keep busy. Should I take him into the vet to get it checked?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on May 18th, 2017

Wow, that is quite a large piece of stick ! It would be beneficial to take Charlie to a vet because sometimes it is difficult to evaluate the extent of the injury on your own. I know he is probably a brave boy and that he has already forgotten about it, the wound though might need to be flushed with some sterile solution and likely bandaged ,(according to where it is), to protect it from becoming infected.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am so very sorry to hear about poor Charlie! Since this is a puncture wound, I would recommend a visit to your vet because when we have a puncture like this, it can push bacteria deep into the tissue and put the dog in a situation where an infection can occur. I would want to thoroughly clean the wound and probably use some oral antibiotics if I felt the puncture was deep.

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