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Found a sore on my dog's paw. Should I worry or treat at home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 50 lbs

Hi there just found this in my dogs paw is it something I should be concerned about?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on May 6th, 2022

Hello, my name is Dr. Shines and I am happy to help. That lesion could be a few things including an injury- like a scrape or infected puncture wound, or flatten skin mass or something like a resolving boil or ingrown hair. If Odin seems comfortable and the area doesn't appear blister-like, swollen or painful, you can try home care. If it looks like anything I just named, he should go to the veterinarians office between now and Monday. At home there are some things you can do which may help to heal the sore. The first thing you need to do is stop the licking (since this can make it worse). Odin should wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Remember that the collar must come out past his nose in order to be effective. Next, wash the area once a day with either plain hand soap (like Dial) or a medicated pet shampoo. This will help to control the number of topical pathogens as well as remove oil and dead skin cells. Rinse the area well and gently towel dry. Lastly, apply a topical antibiotic twice a day. Just a dab will do and rub it in well. Make sure the skin is dry before application. Neosporin is fine to use. Since it's on Odin's foot, he needs to rest and avoid trauma so only short, controlled walks. Also avoid rough surfaces like dry grass which may cause further irritation. If the spot is not much better in 1 week, if it gets worse at any point or if the lesion is not completely healed within 2 weeks, Odin needs to be examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 27th, 2017

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Gemma. If this lesion persists, worsens, she licks it all of the time, or other signs develop, you should have your vet evaluate her. This could be due to trauma, puncture wound, bacterial infection, fungal infection, among many other things. Your vet can evaluate her and advise you on diagnostics/treatment. She may need antibiotics, an Elizabethan collar, or other treatment depending upon the cause. Good luck

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