My dog is licking a swollen paw and now limping. What's wrong?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | English Springer Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 13 days old
My dog keeps licking his paw, and it is swollen, it started on one paw now that is better and it’s gone to another paw, any idea what it could be? He wasn’t limping but has now started to limp.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 14th, 2018
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sunny may be licking his paw due to trauma or a wound that is painful - dogs can sometimes have pieces of grass or small twigs stuck between the toes. Infections or allergic reactions can also occur on the feet, either to a cleaning agent or certain foods. I recommend having Sunny seen by a vet as soon as possible to determine exactly what is going on, especially because he seems uncomfortable. His vet may recommend topical or oral antibiotics, foot soaks, or a diet change. I hope all is well!
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 12th, 2019
It's either an infection or a foreign body that penetrated between the toes (usually a grass seed), i would recommend taking Niya to your vet today in order to get it checked and treated, your vet may start with an antibiotic treatment if he is not sure a foreign body is present.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 14th, 2017
It could be due to an infection or due to a foreign body in the paw that is causing this reaction. it looks badly swollen, i strongly advise that you take him to the vet to get it checked, he will definitely need a course of antibiotics at the very least, if a foreign body (usually a grass seed) is suspected he will need to have it removed under general anesthesia.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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