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Dog limping with swollen paw: What's wrong and how can I help at home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Husky | Female | unspayed | 20 lbs

Hello my 10 month old husky is limping pretty badly on her right front paw. Upon looking at it you can see some very clear swelling on the paw next to the pad. Is there anything I can give her at home to help it go down? Also what might it be?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on September 26th, 2019

That swelling may indicate something stuck under the skin and causing severe inflammation (like a piece of glass or a grass seed) or something like a broken toe. Less common would be something like a sprain. At home you need to restrict Olivia's activity so no walks, running or jumping. You also need to prevent any licking by having her wear an elizabethan collar. Unfortunately, there may not be much else you can do at home. You can apply a cool (not cold, just cool) compress 3 times a day for 5-10 minutes. If there is an infection or a break, this requires medical care. I recommend to play it safe and have Olivia examined by the veterinarian. Certainly, if she is continuing to limp after 2 days of rest or if she is getting worse, it's time to have her examined. This is the best course of action to accurately diagnose, treat and to make her feel better. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 26th, 2018

    Ouchy! I am sorry to hear that your pet Buck has sustained an injury to his paw. If there is considerable swelling, he's barely walking on it, and darker colored skin, there is a good chance the toe has been fractured internally. I don't see a photo attached, but based on your description Buck should be seen by your vet right away to have this foot x-rayed and then treated based on the findings. At the very least the vet can help stabilize the area and provide him some pet friendly pain medication to help with the swelling and discomfort. I hope that your furry friend Buck gets better soon! Best wishes and take care.

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