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My dog's dew claw is swollen and painful. How can I help her?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hello - My dog Ethel seems to have a swollen dew claw. It looks painful, but she’s not limping and we just noticed it this morning. We just moved to the area so we don’t have a primary vet yet. I’m looking for advice on what to do.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 26th, 2018

Get some epsom salt and bathe her foot in warm epsom salt solution. This will soothe the inflammation and help infection. You can do this twice a day for 10 minutes two to three days. If the dew claw is still swollen or painful after that or if there is a lot of pus, you should have her seen by a vet for an exam. The claw then may have to be removed or at least treated with antibiotics.

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9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 4th, 2016

    Ofr an ingrown dewclaw it is best to soak the paw first in a chlorhexidine solution such as this one http://www.walmart.com/ip/ProSense-Antiseptic-Medicated-Spray-4-oz-Dogs/14550510 or you can use Epsom Salt to ease the discomfort. This may ease the pain a bit so that the nail can be clipped, however some dogs will require proper restraint and a muzzle to avoid harm to the handler during this process. There are no safe over the counter pains meds for dogs unfortunately. Also if there is infection there (which often times it is, you will see reddish brown discharge) it is best to get antibiotics for her through your veterinarian. The chlorhexidine is an anti-septic as well but this may not be enough to fight the infection. Best of luck, I hope you can ease her pain soon and get this properly treated.

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    11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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