My dog's paw is red and swollen around the nail. Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 70 lbs

My dog has a bump/puncture where her nail goes into the skin. It is on her back paw. I noticed it a few days ago and there was a little blood. I dabbed it with peroxide to clean up. It looks like maybe a stick or something went up into her nail bed and punctured it and it is red and also between her toes is now red. It looks worse. We have a flat back yard with no trees or sticks around so not sure what caused this but she is licking it. I included a few pictures. Can you help me?

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3 Answers

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM 191

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on June 19th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Just like you indicated, this could be due to a foreign body getting stuck in the digit though other things like a deep infection or even a growth cannot be ruled out. It could even be secondary to her licking at it. For this reason, it is important to rule those out. I recommend a visit to your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Good luck and have a great day!

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My dog's paw is red and swollen around the nail. Should I see a vet?

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