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My dog is limping with a swollen toe. Can I treat a nail infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 5 years and 1 month old | 40 lbs

I think my dog has a nail bed infection. I am usually very observant of his body because he doesn't voice anything so my fiance and I randomly check everything out but we haven't for a few days and today coming home from work I notice him limping and one of his "toes" is red and swollen with some crustiness and pus. Can I treat this myself?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 15th, 2017

Poor Spike Lee (love his name!). No, unfortunately you can't treat this yourself, an infection requires oral antibiotics to treat and only a vet can prescribe them for him. I would take him into the vet tomorrow to have his nail treated. Tonight, you can try soaking his foot in an Epsom salt bath to give him some temporary relief. I hope this helps!

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