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My dog has a paw bubble. How to use Epsom salt and stop licking?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 72 lbs

Hi so my dog has this between his toes, see pictures, I think it's improving but I can still see the bubble, so I'm going to go buy Epsom salt now and I just wanted to know how I should do this. I'm not sure he will let me soak his paw for the whole ten minutes. What if he walks away after soaking it and he licks it ? Do I just rinse it with water ? In the pictures it's more red in one spot but currently today it looks to just be like a bubble but it looks to be the same color. Thank You.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 13th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks as though something may have punctured the skin and caused an infection. This looks like it could be an abscess / isolated infection. For the epsom salt soak, I generally recommend ~1/2 cup of epsom salt added to 1 gallon of warm water. It is ok if he licks the foot after the soak as the epsom salt is not toxic. I would recommend using a plastic cone to prevent him from licking at the area. If he continues to lick the area, the wound will likely not resolve. If this does not resolve or it worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Rocky so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on August 29th, 2017

    Poor EmmaLee. Unfortunately, dogs cannot safely have any human pain medication, so I would not recommend giving her anything. However, an Epsom Salt soak is a great idea. I recommend making it according to the package instructions with cool water if you are possibly dealing with an insect bite. I generally make it in a tall container, but only put in enough solution to cover the foot (that makes is less likely that she will splash it out of the container). Soak the foot for 5 minutes, then gently dry it (no need to rinse it). If she did get an insect bite, the other important thing can be to prevent her from licking and chewing at the foot because she will make it worse. You might consider an e-collar, sock or bootie for this. Good luck! I hope EmmaLee feels better. Please let me know if that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 10th, 2017

    No you should leave it open, for her to stop biting you must put an e-collar around her neck. it looks badly infected, i strongly recommend taking her to the vet in order to get it treated, i seriously doubt the Epsom salt bath will be enough to clear this.

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