My dog's toe is swollen and he keeps licking it. What could it be?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 1 month old | 80 lbs
Recent inflammation to my dogs right toe. He’s been licking on it and has favored it quite a bit over the past 48hours. Thoughts on what this could be?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 27th, 2023
Thank you for the picture of Jameson's toe, it's very helpful. It looks quite red and swollen in the picture. There are a number of things that could cause this, such as a foreign body like a foxtail, an infection, an injury, or even a cancerous growth. He's licking it a lot and favoring it because it's painful to him. Unfortunately there are no OTC pain relievers you can give him, as many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. He needs to see a vet to have this diagnosed and treated, and I would give his vet a call now to get him an appointment. It would be best for him to see his vet asap. I would also put an Ecollar on him to keep him from licking it, you can buy one at a pet store if you don't have one at home already. I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on June 6th, 2018
Sorry Billy's toe is sore! You should take him to the vet. What you are describing is more concerning for an infection at the nail bed, and less likely a bee sting. If he is constantly licking at it, put an e-collar (cone of shame) on him to prevent him from licking it until you can get in for an appointment. As long as he is walking ok, and is eating and drinking, no vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms, it is not an emergency. I hope you find this helpful! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My dog paw is swallow between the toes. He was just given ketohex due to him licking his paws.
back right toe nail but it's in the inside and it's swollen and there a little cut on it he keep licking on it
Bichon/Poodle mix... two toes very swollen. She has chewed on them. Very red and a little bloody. No obvious wound or injury. Trimmed hair between toes and didn't find anything. Painful - not wanting to walk on it.
2 night ago my dog I think my dog got bit my something. His left 2nd toe is super swollen w a big red spot. Can u tell what it is & what course of treatment would be best
Hello. Please could you respond if it is big concern to see the veterinarian? - My dog has a swollen bright pink size of the 2 inches skin on his paw. He is liking this place and it is painful, when I try to touch. Thank you!
My dog has this weird bump between his toes. He tries to lick it and it just gets more red and irritated. Is there anything I can do to help him? He's not acting like himself. All he does is sleep and barely wants to go outside to the bathroom. Plea
My dog has a red swollen area on her paw. She is walking on is but licking it when she sits down. Doesn't seem to be in pain
My dogs carpal pad or dew claw iss really red/raw from him licking it. But it’s also different size (bigger) . What can I do for him to stop him irritating it, or what do I look for that may be causing it?
Pitbull with swollen right foot. Super sensitive to touch especially near his pinky toe.
I saw this something pink on her left paw. I check her whole paw and her other paws but it’s just that one nail. I noticed the past few days she likes to bite her nails and lick her paws all the time. Could it be because of it? Or if not, What might
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
