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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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1 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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