My dog's paw punctured by crate wire, swollen. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 5 years and 10 months old | 55 lbs
I have a 6 year old black lab/German Shepard mix and she tore up her wire crate and a bent wire punctured her foot in the ankle area toward the outside and the other side is swollen. The puncture is pretty deep and she barely puts pressure on it. What should I do?
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 13th, 2018
Poor Zoey! It sounds like she has sustained a pretty serious injury that may have damaged the deeper tissues. Zoey may need antibiotics if the wound is infected, pain medication, or even sutures to repair the wound. She should be seen by a vet as soon as possible to determine the severity of the injury and receive the appropriate treatment. I hope all is well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
My dog has had a cut on her paw that hasn’t healed and she’s had it for a long time already I went to the vet and they gave me a spray to put on her but it didn’t really do anything. It has some swelling on it and I’m worried it can get worse. Is the
If this isn't resolving, I doubt that it's a simple "cut". Couple of things to think about: if Zoey is licking this (which it appears to me that she might be, given that the skin is darkly pigmented) this could be something called a lick granuloma. Typically the treatment for that is to keep the dog from licking, and investigate whether there is an underlying allergy. At this point it's reasonable to consider taking a biopsy of the area, which may help to get an exact diagnosis. I would also consider checking for mites (mange) and even ringworm, which is a fungal infection.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
This morning my 12 year old black lab would not get out of bed. He was licking his paw and I looked and it was red and bleeding. I’m not sure what happened. I went to the store and cleaned it up really well. I soaked in epsom salt, put some betadine
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! It seems like you have been doing a good job so far. However, just like you pointed out, there may be a foreign body stuck in there or something else causing an infection. I recommend that you have Tank evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Antibiotics can be started and they can also check to see if there is something stuck there that they can remove to provide comfort and also prevent the infection from reoccurring. Good luck and have a great day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My dog got tiny holes in his paws and it's because of infection. Can't go to the vets because of lockdown. What to do now?? Pain redness and swelling
Vets are still seeing pets for serious issues or medical emergencies, so it is a good idea to contact yours to see if you can get Gabber in for care and started on some antibiotics as needed. Until you can, keeping the wounds clean and dry and trimming back the fur and using an antiseptic such as a chlorhexidine or antiseptic cleaner can help reduce debris in the wound. You will also want to put an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Gabber to keep him from licking his paws to help reduce irritation and inflammation.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My dog goes outside and plays everyday we have slot of land he came yesterday was fine put him in his cage bed was in washer now holding his leg up and it's swollen near joint on back leg any advice what could be wrong he can but won't put pressure h
He may have injured himself while out and it became apparent after coming inside. He may have also injured himself in the crate. Ideally, an exam with your veterinarian would be best. X-rays of the affected limb could be done if indicated to rule out fractures or ligament damage. Pain management can be used if necessary. In the meantime, restrict activity to just leash walks for elimination. Avoid or prevent any running, jumping or rough play until he sees the doctor and/or recovers.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My dog’s paw is extremely swollen and purple. How can I help him? It was tied on by a wire, is there anything I can do?
Hello, until you can seek veterinary attention, you can soak Pablo's foot in warm water while gently massaging the foot. This will hopefully stimulate blood flow & prevent further tissue damage. But please consider having your veterinarian look at things soon. Take care.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello my 11 tried old back right paw is very swollen she constantly licking it and she has made it raw on top between her toes. She keeps it on the air while standing and even when she laying down. No wound or cuts now foreign objects nothing. Idk wh
The most you can do at home is to place an e-collar (cone) on Gracy Kay to prevent further licking and to limit her activity to leash walks for elimination. We would not (and legally cannot) recommend any medications in the absence of a physical exam. She needs to be seen by a veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and treatment. X-rays may be indicated to rule out fractures, tumors or foreign bodies. Any treatment will depend on the diagnosis.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My 8 month old pup has one swollen toe on her back paw. She acts like it isn't to painful. What could be the issue
She could have an infection, fracture, or foreign material in her toe. She should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. Your vet can take an xray to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. She may need an antibiotic for an infection or she may need a splint if a fracture is found. If you can't get her to a vet and it looks like she could have an infection, you could soak her paw in a warm Epsom Salt solution and see if that helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Left paw is swollen and red. She is a 4yr old American bulldog. Looks like she was bit by something. she's acting normal. She's not putting much pressure on it.
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! It could have been that she got bit by something or it could have been some type of traumatic injury of a different kind. Other possibilities include an infection for instance. I recommend you check in with your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check what seems to be more likely so that it can be treated accordingly. Good luck and have a great day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My dogs got into a fight yesterday over a toy. One of my dogs bit the other and there is a small wound from a tooth and it’s a little deep. There is swelling too. He’s limping a little but seems like it’s not bothering him as much as it did yesterday
Poor Zeus! A major concern is that it the wound becomes infected, especially if the bite penetrated the joint. You could clean the area with a wound wash but he really should be examined by a vet. Your vet can determine the extent of the injury and prescribe an antibiotic to help prevent an infection. He might also need an anti-inflammatory to help with the pain and swelling. Please do not give any human OTC pain relievers as they can be toxic to dogs. If you can't take him to a vet then keep cleaning the area with a wound wash and monitor for increased swelling, discharge, pain, and fever.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi! My puppy is 5 months old. German Shepherd mix. She have a farthest toe on her right front paw swollen. I noticed a blood around the nail three days ago. Next day it was ok. Today after a walk she starts limping, can't find a rest, avoids to step
There can be many things causing the swelling and pain in her paw, including infection, broken toe bone, soft tissue sprain, or torn ligaments. I would recommend that Lexi get checked out by a vet as soon as possible. The vet will do a thorough exam, and may recommend x-rays. Then appropriate medications for pain can be prescribed. In the meantime, try to limit her activity. You can also use an ice-pack wrapped in a towel for 15 minutes at a time to help with pain and swelling. Unfortunately, there are no OTC human pain medications that would be safe to use in Lexi.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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