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Dog's paw still swollen after antibiotics. Should I give more?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | West Highland White Terrier | Male | 10 years and 3 months old | 10 lbs

Hello, my dog paw was swollen and he was licking , so the paw cut between the nails. I took him at vet and she gave him antibiotik for five days but after two weeks his paw look like this . My vet said to give again antibiotik but im not sure. What to do?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 3rd, 2017

I am very sorry that Kamilio's paw is so sore! Thank you for providing pictures. With that level of swelling, redness, and hair loss I am very concerned about he infection present. I am sure it's very painful for Kamilo. The first step is to make sure that Kamilo has an e-collar on so he can't lick or bite at the area. When spots are painful or itchy, dogs often want to bite or lick, but this causes increased tissue damage and higher likelihood of infection. You can also try a warm compress for 5 minute intervals throughout the day to ease the swelling and pain. I believe you should continue to the antibiotic course your vet prescribed. I would advise a recheck with the vet however. I am not sure how his paw looked two weeks ago, but this doesn't look like it is healing well. The infection may need a different antibiotic, anti-inflammatory medication, and pain relief. there is also the chance that there is a forgein body stuck inside the paw such as a migrating grass seed. I am so sorry for you and Kamilo and I hope it feels better soon.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    A second round of antibiotics is a good idea. It looks as though it may still have an infection and may have developed into an abscess. In which case, antibiotics will have a more difficult time treating this until the pus is removed. There is also the possibility that there is foreign material trapped in the area from the initial trauma. I would finish the course of antibiotics the second time, soak the paw in Epsom salt water for 10 minutes twice daily until resolved and if he still has the swollen sore, you may need to have the swelling lanced and drained if there is an active infection inside with pus. Hope this will help guide you in the right direction. If he does not have an anti inflammatory, I would ask for one from your vet.

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