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My dog's paw is red and swollen around the nail. Should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 70 lbs

My dog has a bump/puncture where her nail goes into the skin. It is on her back paw. I noticed it a few days ago and there was a little blood. I dabbed it with peroxide to clean up. It looks like maybe a stick or something went up into her nail bed and punctured it and it is red and also between her toes is now red. It looks worse. We have a flat back yard with no trees or sticks around so not sure what caused this but she is licking it. I included a few pictures. Can you help me?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on June 19th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Just like you indicated, this could be due to a foreign body getting stuck in the digit though other things like a deep infection or even a growth cannot be ruled out. It could even be secondary to her licking at it. For this reason, it is important to rule those out. I recommend a visit to your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Good luck and have a great day!

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on August 30th, 2018
Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Chloe's digit looks red, swollen, and infected. I see in the last photo, it looks like the base of the nail in broken as well. The nail bed looks very infected. I would recommend Chloe see her veterinarian for this so the digit can be evaluated further. Chloe may need to be on antibiotics for the infection. Until you can take Chloe in to see her veterinarian you can soak the paw in an Epsom salt water bath 2-3 times a day for 5-10 mins to help relieve the swelling temporarily.

I hope this helps and thanks again for posting!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 15th, 2018
Hello, can you post again with a photo? We may be able to help you better if we can see the swelling. Also, we need some additional informaiton. What antiseptic are you using? Is she licking at it?

Thank you.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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