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Dog paw swollen, limping from puncture. Vet closed, what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mastiff | Female | unspayed | 11 months and 24 days old | 120 lbs

My 9 month old mastiff got into a fight with my rottie mix. Mastiff ended up with a puncture wound between the webbing of her front paw. She limped for a day then started healing. However today she is barely putting weight on her foot and her leg is swollen. We got 8 inches of snow last night in the south and the vet is closed and no way I can drive her to the emergency vet. It will be Monday before main roads are cleared enough to get out. What can I do to help her until then?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 7th, 2017

It sounds like Salem's paw has become infected from the puncture wound, you are correct that she does have to see a vet as soon as possible. Given that you are snowed in at the moment, I would keep her quiet and rested, do not allow her to run around or play. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she's done. Do not give her any human medications, especially pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I would take Salem into the vet first thing Monday morning.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If you have Epsom salt in your house, you can soak the paw in a warm epsom salt solution. it is likely that she now has an abscess between her toes. The epsom salts baths will help the abscess to ripen, split and drain. this also will relieve some pain. take her to a vet as soon as you can.

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on February 5th, 2018

    Oh goodness. That looks like a pretty severe infected wound. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime you can soak it in warm water and Epsom salts. This is right on the bone and if the bone gets infected it becomes very serious. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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