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My dog's paw is swollen between toes from licking. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Bulldog | Male | neutered | 2 years and 1 month old | 59 lbs

My dog paw is swallow between the toes. He was just given ketohex due to him licking his paws.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebeccah Wood

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

Published on August 6th, 2017

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear that VooDoo has a bum foot. Irritation and infection from licking can very well cause swelling and irritation like this, and KetoHex alone probably won't be enough to get the swelling down if he's still able to lick it. I highly recommend that you put an e-collar (also known as a cone) on VooDoo so that he can't get to the paw. I know it's rough on them, but they don't know not to lick, and he'll just wind up making his paw worse and worse. That being said, if the swelling doesn't go down after he hasn't been able to lick it for a while, I suggest re-visiting the vet to see if there could be anything stuck in the skin of his paw, like a tiny thorn. I have seen swelling like this caused by a foreign object in the past, and sometimes they can be very hard to see. The vet may also be able to prescribe some anti-inflammatories that will help with the swelling and pain (do not give anything over-the-counter as they could be dangerous to VooDoo). It is also possible that the swelling is being caused by a tumor, but considering VooDoo's age, I highly doubt that this is the case. Good luck, and I hope that VooDoo's foot feels better soon!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 4th, 2020

    Have this checked out by a vet. Hercules's paw looks quite swollen and red, and it may be infected, there may be a growth there, or he could have injured it. I'd take him into a vet today or tomorrow.

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    10Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on September 9th, 2017

    Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It's sounds like Bandit may have an infection or even an interdigital cyst between his toes. Sometimes even skin tumors can appear this way. It would be best to bring Bandit to your veterinarian to have it checked out as it sounds like he may need an antibiotic if it is bleeding. Until you can get him to the vet you can use an e-collar to prevent licking.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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