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My dog's paw is red, swollen, and she's licking it. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | unspayed | 5 years and 1 month old | 47 lbs

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

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 25th, 2017

Poor Georgia! There are a number of things that could cause a red, swollen area like this on her paw. This could be a localized infection or inflammatory reaction of some kind, such as from an insect bite or sting. It could also be a skin growth or tumor, either benign or malignant (cancerous).

I would recommend having this checked by a vet within the next few days, if you are able to. He/she can do a simple test called a fine needle aspirate to help determine what this lump is. Based on the results, the vet can advise you on whether Georgia needs to be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, or whether the lump needs to be surgically removed.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on October 3rd, 2017
Hi there. It is hard to tell from the picture, but is the skin just real red or is the whole foot swollen? An insect or spider bite is high on my list of it happened all of a sudden and if she is really focused on licking it. Other concerns such as an injury or fracture can cause them to limp and sometimes they will lick the painful area as well. I would consider taking her to a veterinarian to have it looked at. They may recommend an X-ray. However, if they feel it is limited to a skin problem then soaking in Epsom salt soaks may be recommended. If it is really swollen they may consider a dog safe pain medication or steroid. I hope this is helpful and I hope she improves quickly!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 14th, 2017
Possible causes for this swelling could include a foreign body in the paw, such as a grass awn; an insect bite, or an infection. A veterinary exam is recommended to try to determine the cause and give appropriate treatment. She may need surgical removal if a foreign body is present, or antibiotics and anti-inflammatory/pain medication if infection is present. A prescription for pain medication sounds like it would be warranted as well. Try to discourage her from licking the area by putting an e-collar on her until she gets in to the vet. You can try soaking her foot in an epsom salt bath for 10 minutes a few times a day and being sure to dry the foot afterwards until her visit as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 4th, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From your description, I would suspect that Izzy may have something embedded in the paw. It is possible that there is currently something embedded u see the skin or that something had penetrated the skin and introduced bacteria to the area. This may have caused the paw to become infected. I would take Izzy to your veterinarian to be examined in order to get the most appropriate treatment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other concerns or questions. I am also available via phone or text consultation if needed
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on November 25th, 2020
Unfortunately, without an image or physical exam, it cannot be determined with any certainty what may be on Doug's foot. Insect bite/sting, mass/tumor, injury or local infection are all possibilities.
If he is licking at it, place an e-collar on him. You can gently clean the area with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution a couple times daily for a few days and see if that makes a difference. If not, you should have him seen by your veterinarian. If it is growing/changing rapidly, bleeding or causing discomfort, a veterinary exam should be scheduled sooner rather than later.

For future reference, up to 3 images can be attached to each question as long as they are no larger than 5MB and in either .jpg or .png format. You can also email images to customerservice@Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.co, but just know that we cannot provide a diagnosis without an actual physical exam. You may end up taking Doug to the veterinary clinic in the end.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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