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My dog has a red, sore hole on his paw. Why is he chewing it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Emmet has a circular hole on Rear right paw, red in color, was a larger sore. We noticed him chewing on that paw.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on September 25th, 2018

Ouch! That looks pretty uncomfortable. I would take him in to see your vet for wound care and possibly antibiotics or a topical treatment to help him heal as quickly as possible. My may have gotten a sting or stepped on something sharp enough to puncture his pad and if he chews too aggressively, he'll make it worse.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 4th, 2018
I would be concerned that there is an underlying abscess (a walled off infection) in the area of the puncture wound. This is a common occurance with bite wounds.

I would recommend thoroughly cleaning the area and applying a warm compress to the area. Additionally, you will need to have Baxter seen by your veterinarian because he will likely need antibiotics.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 9th, 2018
This may be a seroma or an abscess. You can also try to gently push it. If it disappeas into the abdomen, then it would be a hernia, possibly caused by one of the bite wounds (internally, the skin would not have had a puncture for that to happen). I suggest you take Buddy to your veterinarian for an exam. If it is a seroma (the bump would not be hot and also not painful) then treatment would be benign neglect, the body will reabsorb the fluid over time. If it is an abscess (red, hot, painful) , it would need to be lanced by your vet. A hernia will need to be surgically closed.
Please make an appointment with your veterinarian for a recheck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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