My dog's paw is red, bleeding, and swollen. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 85 lbs
This morning my 12 year old black lab would not get out of bed. He was licking his paw and I looked and it was red and bleeding. I’m not sure what happened. I went to the store and cleaned it up really well. I soaked in epsom salt, put some betadine on, then neospoorin, and covered it well. These pictures are currently what it looks like. It is swollen compared to his other paw. I also just soaked it again. He seeems to find comfort from that. I’ve looked as best as possible for something stuck.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 22nd, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It seems like you have been doing a good job so far. However, just like you pointed out, there may be a foreign body stuck in there or something else causing an infection. I recommend that you have Tank evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Antibiotics can be started and they can also check to see if there is something stuck there that they can remove to provide comfort and also prevent the infection from reoccurring. Good luck and have a great day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 9th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could have been that she got bit by something or it could have been some type of traumatic injury of a different kind. Other possibilities include an infection for instance. I recommend you check in with your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check what seems to be more likely so that it can be treated accordingly. Good luck and have a great day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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