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My dog has infected paws and a red, infected eye. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 1 year and 9 months old

Good afternoon, i have a female mixed breed (lab/terrier) dog who seems to have some sort of infection on her paws. And now her left eye is also looking sort if infected

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Jones VMD

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 14th, 2017

I'm sorry to hear that Maya seems to have an infection. Infections can occur between the toes and between the paw pads, often as a result of underlying allergies. This can lead to redness, discharge, and itchiness of the affected area. Foot soaks with antiseptic solutions, such as diluted chlorhexidine or diluted betadine may be helpful. However, some paw pad infections also require oral antibiotics and anti-itch medication, requiring a trip to the vet.

The main concern at this point is that Maya's left eye is now looking abnormal. Eyes are fairly delicate structures, so any changes like redness, discharge, or squinting, should be addressed urgently. It is possible that her eye changes could be related to irritation from underlying allergies, but corneal ulcers or trauma to the eye (often self-trauma from scratching) are also possible. I recommend putting an e-collar (cone) on Maya to prevent any scratching or rubbing of the eye, and then taking her to the vet urgently for evaluation of both her eye and paw problems. I hope this helps and that she's feeling better soon!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    I'm sorry to hear that Maya seems to have an infection. Infections can occur between the toes and between the paw pads, often as a result of underlying allergies. This can lead to redness, discharge, and itchiness of the affected area. Foot soaks with antiseptic solutions, such as diluted chlorhexidine or diluted betadine may be helpful. However, some paw pad infections also require oral antibiotics and anti-itch medication, requiring a trip to the vet.

    The main concern at this point is that Maya's left eye is now looking abnormal. Eyes are fairly delicate structures, so any changes like redness, discharge, or squinting, should be addressed urgently. It is possible that her eye changes could be related to irritation from underlying allergies, but corneal ulcers or trauma to the eye (often self-trauma from scratching) are also possible. I recommend putting an e-collar (cone) on Maya to prevent any scratching or rubbing of the eye, and then taking her to the vet urgently for evaluation of both her eye and paw problems. I hope this helps and that she's feeling better soon!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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