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My dog's paw is painful and she won't stop licking it. Vet or home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 9 years old | 55 lbs

My 9 yr old female german Shepard chow mix as this on her paw. She is always messing/cleaning it, she has had it for a couple days and we can slightly touch it but then she takes it away. Is is serious does she need to go to the vet or is it something that i can do at home.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 10th, 2018

Thank you for providing pictures of Coda's paw! From the pictures, it looks like it could be infected, and certainly something that is bothering her if she keeps messing with it and licking it. To answer your question, yes, I would take her into the vet. It needs treatment so it can heal. Until you can get her into the vet, I would put an Ecollar on her to keep her from licking at it. You can make one at home or buy one at a pet store. Good luck, I hope this helps! http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

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