My dog's paw has a red, swollen, bleeding blister. What should I do?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bella! Based on your pictures that isn't a growth but a paw pad abrasion. I see it when the dog runs too much on asphalt or tennis courts chasing balls and skidding. I have seen multiple feet and multiple pads affected and peel like blisters. They heal quickly by preventing licking with an E-collar, soaking in Epsom salts, oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. I wish you and Bella the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and best wishes!

Ouch! That should likely be checked out by your vet in person. Tumors on the toes can aggressively appear and spread like this, and other issues such as burns, blisters, cysts, sores, infections, etc should be treated by your vet. They can take a sample of the affected tissue to look for the cause behind it, and provide treatment options such as removal, antibiotics, medicate shampoos, and more. Until you can get to your vet, it's best to keep the area clean and dry and to keep Bossy from licking at it with an Elizabethan (cone) collar. This can help reduce irritation.

I'm sorry to hear that Lucifer's paws are so swollen and bloody. Inflammation between the toes or paw pads can be due to a number of issues, including severe allergies, autoimmune conditions, bacterial and/or yeast infections, or abscesses from penetrating wounds. Regardless, swelling of the paws is quite uncomfortable. At this point, your best option is to take Lucifer to his vet for an exam. After an exam, your vet will likely recommend either some diagnostic testing or presumptive treatment with medications, depending on the underlying cause of this issue. Until your appointment, be sure to put an e-collar (cone) on Lucifer to prevent him from licking at his feet, as that will only make matters worse. I hope that he's on the mend soon!

I would recommend that you have Mo examined by a vet. From the pictures, these don't look like blisters. They could be caused by allergies, foreign bodies, autoimmune disease, deep bacterial or fungal infection, etc. The vet may need to do a biopsy to see what the cause is so that Mo can receive appropriate treatment.

This could be a “hot spot” from licking the cut excessively, related to a bug bite, a small abscess, or, like you suggest, a blood-filled pocket. If Sissy is licking or chewing at it, putting an E-collar on so she can’t lick it is critical for healing. If that doesn’t solve the problem after 3-5 days, or if it looks worse in any way, its time to take a visit to the vet to help determine the cause and best treatment. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to an infection or a traumatic injury for example. It is difficult to know without being able to examine her. I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to start antibiotics if needed. Good luck and have a good night!