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Dog paw sore and licking after abscess. Is it infected or healing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 10 years and 2 months old | 13 lbs

My dog recently had a paw abcess, and had antibiotics and was told the area is healed. However two days later and the area looks very sore again and she is licking it repeatedly. I would just like to know if the area looks infected or if this is a normal part of the healing process? As we can not get a vet appointment for two weeks. Thank you. The left photo is before the antibiotics and right side is currently

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 30th, 2020

Poor Coco. Based on the pictures, I am concerned that it is infected and that is not a normal part of the healing process. It looks worse in the second picture compared to the first. She cannot wait two weeks to see a vet, I would see if you can get her in on an emergency basis or take her into an ER vet. While you are calling around to get her into an ER vet, put a cone on her to keep her from licking it and making it worse. You can make one at home or buy one at a pet store. Best of luck. http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 24th, 2018

    I would put an Ecollar on Sonu. That will keep her from licking at the wound and making it worse. I will put a link below on how to make one at home. She really should see a vet for this, as I would be concerned that the wound is infected and she needs antibiotics to heal it. Vets are trained to work with aggressive dogs, so that should not be a deterrent to bringing her into the vet. I'd take her in as soon as possible. Best of luck. http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 5th, 2019

    Poor Mona! Yes, I would take her into the vet. It's not an emergency, so put an Ecollar on her tonight to stop her from licking her paw, and have her seen by a vet tomorrow. I will put a link below on how to make an Ecollar at home. Best of luck. http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 10th, 2018

    Thank you for providing pictures of Coda's paw! From the pictures, it looks like it could be infected, and certainly something that is bothering her if she keeps messing with it and licking it. To answer your question, yes, I would take her into the vet. It needs treatment so it can heal. Until you can get her into the vet, I would put an Ecollar on her to keep her from licking at it. You can make one at home or buy one at a pet store. Good luck, I hope this helps! http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

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