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My dog's paws are swollen, bloody from licking. What oral meds help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 5 years and 8 months old | 50 lbs

Hi, my dog's front paws are swollen and a bit bloody. He keeps licking and chewing at it. I tried to do an epsom salt soak, but he won't let me. Is there any oral medication that can help him? I cannot afford his vet at the moment, as I am currently unemployed.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 15th, 2017

I would recommend placing an e-collar on Ziggy to prevent him from chewing his feet. Epsom salt soaks may help or washing his feet with chlorhexidine scrub or shampoo. There is not OTC oral medications that are likely to help. If he won't allow topical treatment or it's not helping he will need a vet visit for prescription medications- likely antibiotics, antifungal medications and possibly antiinflammatories.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 15th, 2017

    This paw does look painful and irritated. Having Teddy lick this is not helping the healing process so I recommend using a cone on Teddy to stop the licking. You can soak the paw in warm water with epsoms salt, or a mild antibacterial soap solution twice daily. That will increase the blood supply to speed healing and help reduce any infection. If there is a splinter or something in the paw soaking it will often draw it out so the paw will heal. Continue with the medication and recommendations from your veterinarian. Be patient since skin and paw sores take a long time to heal because they are walking on it all the time. If this doesn't improve in a few more days I would bring Teddy in for a recheck exam. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Teddy.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 3rd, 2018

    It sounds like he could have a pododermatitis (paw infection). You could soak his paw in a warm Epsom salt solution and see if that helps relieve some of the redness and inflammation. He probably needs an oral antibiotic and anti-inflammatory to help treat so he should be examined by your vet.

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 9th, 2019

    Gunnar may have something stuck in his foot or a small wound causing him to kick, or he could have an infection of the skin. I would recommend having your vet closely examine his foot. If they’re suspicious of an infection they might recommend foot soaks, oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.

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