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My dog is limping with a cracked, raw, painful paw. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 5 months old | 66 lbs

Aloha! Pono lives outside and has a dog house and large cover/garage where he is able to keep dry. It has been raining lately very hard here in Hawaii. I just noticed today that he is limping on one paw. Attached is a photo of his foot. It looks cracked, and a large missing piece from his paw. It seems to be raw and painful. Should I clean it and apply Paw Soother (photo attached)? Should I wrap it up or let it air out? Thank you so much in advance.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 19th, 2020

You can clean it daily with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution and dry it thoroughly afterwards. Anything you apply will likely be lucked off unless you use an e-collar. It may have been abraded on rough surfaces inside or outside his enclosure. Since he is limping, he is likely painful and should be seen by your veterinarian. Pain medication can be administered or dispensed if indicated. If possible, the paw should be protected until it heals. This may require a bandage/bootie, coming indoors, an e-collar (cone) or a combination of the three. Your veterinarian can determine the best course of treatment after an exam.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on November 8th, 2016
Poor Skylar! If you think that the problem is in his paw, you could try soaking it daily in warm water and Epsom salts for the next few days - this often helps with minor injuries or soreness in this area. If the issue is minor, it will likely resolve on its own during this time. If the limping continues for more than 3-5 days with no improvement, then it would be best to have Skylar seen by a vet as he may need x-rays to help determine the problem as well as prescription anti-inflammatory or pain medication to make him more comfortable.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 15th, 2018
The epsom salt soak was a good idea. You can continue that but add some Betadine solution to the water. Make it a light iced tea color. You should be able to get this at your local pharmacy/chemist.

( https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/31054/Betadine-Antiseptic-Liquid-15ml )

Soak 2-3 times per day for a total of 5 minutes at a time. He should be fine but if after a few days there does not seem to be much improvement you will need to get him to your vet.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 20th, 2017
If she seems to be getting better than you could soak her paw in a warm Epsom salt solution and rest her and see if it completely resolves. Otherwise, she should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. She may need an antibiotic and/or an anti-inflammatory.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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