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Dog has an open sore on his toe. Can I treat it at home or see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 75 lbs

My dog has an open sore on his toe, is there something over the counter I can apply or should we see the vet? It is not actively bleeding, but he does want to lick it often.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 4th, 2019

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Poor Duke! I would gently clean the wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 24th, 2019

    Ouch, poor Padme! I would gently clean the sore with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep her from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 4th, 2019

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Rocko. I would start by placing an E-collar on him to prevent him from licking the paw. This will prevent any further self-trauma to the wound. If it does not appear significantly improved within 24 hours of starting the E-collar, then he will need to see his veterinarian. If he is limping now or has experienced a decrease in appetite, these are other indications he needs to see his veterinarian now. Depending on the cause of the sore, he may need medication such as an antibiotic. Some times veterinarians will bandage the paw after cleansing the wound.This should not be attempted at home though. If the bandage is inadvertently applied too tightly, damage can be caused to the paw. I hope this information helps. Good luck!

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 10th, 2019

    Ouch! Poor Trisha! That is a full thickness wound on her pad. You must stop her from licking. She needs to wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Your best option is to have her examined by the veterinarian today. If one is not available today, you may try washing the pad once a day and rinse well. Keep the foot clean and dry. Keep her inside. Put a sock on her foot when she has to go outside. Make sure to remove the sock when she comes back inside. I don't advise bandaging at home because people too often put the bandage on too tightly and then further damage the foot. Once the foot is dry, you can apply a tiny dab of coconut oil and rub it in well. These lesions are sometimes related to injury but an autoimmune condition is also possible. These lesions may be more prone to infection since they are located on the foot and make contact on the ground. I hope this helps and that Trisha heals quickly. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

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