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My dog has splinters in paw, no vet. How can I treat it at home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 17 days old | 50 lbs

Our family dog has splinters on his back paw in between his toes. We can't afford a veterinarian at this moment due to living paycheck to paycheck. Times are really rough and Grizzly has been our family since he was on loo y 2 months old. He's 6 and a half months now.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on April 1st, 2018

You can soak his paw in warm/hot water with either epsoms salt or antibacterial soap solution. Do this twice daily. That will help draw out the splinters and help prevent infection. As they work themselves out remove them with tweezers. For pain you can give aspirin with a meal. There is a section on this website with information about common over the counter medications with dosages. If he’s licking the foot use a cone so he doesn’t get it more irritated. I don’t recommend a bandage as it’s better to have the air circulation. If it gets swollen or looks worse he should have veterinary care. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Grizzly.

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 9th, 2017

    If Archie is licking the foot place an ecollar to prevent him from being able to lick it. You can try soaking the foot in an Epsom salt solution and dry the foot after. I would not recommend repeating the talcum powder. If not better by Monday I would recommend a recheck with his vet to make sure he doesn't have an infection or foreign body (splinter) in the foot. I hope he's better soon. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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