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My dog won't stop licking her paw. What's wrong and how to help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Female | spayed | 4 years and 6 months old

Hi, our 4 year old Australian blue cattle dog has been licking her right paw like crazy the last 4 days. I can't find anything to cause pain and she's not limping. Could she have sprained it? Is there something we can do to help her with the discomfort?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on August 17th, 2017

It is possible Bailey is having an allergy or soft tissue trauma to the foot. I would recommend an e-collar (cone) to prevent licking. You can do Epson salt soaks 2 times a day and give over the counter anti histamine. However if it is not improving I would recommend taking her to a vet for a closer look. Hope she feels better!

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If she isn't limping badly it's probably not a sprain, it is either an infection, an allergic reaction or a foreign body in the paw (grass seed is the most common). if you can't see anything i would recommend taking Bailey to the vet ASAP in order to get it checked and treated, they will need to shave the area in order to get an idea first.

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