Dog paw swollen after digging, swelling keeps returning. What to do?

She may have seasonal allergies or could be getting some foreign material caught between her toes when she goes out in nicer weather. Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent further licking or chewing. Have her examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause. Antibiotics can help with infection, antihistamines may decrease allergies and pain medication may provide additional relief. Continue the foot soaks if they help.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I agree with you that Savage's paw does in fact look very swollen. This is likely causing Savage a great deal of pain and discomfort and further evaluation and treatment of this will require veterinary treatment. Your veterinarian would be able to appropriately medicate him for pain control and possibly sedate him so that the paw can be carefully inspected to look for possible reasons that can result in swelling such as a foreign body stuck in the paw. They would be able to proceed with treatment based on findings. Good luck and have a good night!

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!

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! It seems like you have been doing a good job so far. However, just like you pointed out, there may be a foreign body stuck in there or something else causing an infection. I recommend that you have Tank evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Antibiotics can be started and they can also check to see if there is something stuck there that they can remove to provide comfort and also prevent the infection from reoccurring. Good luck and have a great day!

This presentation could be due to a trauma/foreign body/body wound or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Yes usually there is an entry wound with something stuck in the paw. The picture looks like she has an infection between the toes. This is infected interdigital cysts. It can affect one paw or all four. Often they have some drainage and swelling. I recommend taking Willow to the veterinarian for an exam. They will look for a foreign body in the paw and if it's a paw infection they will prescribe antibiotics. You can soak the paw in warm epsoms salt solution for five to ten minutes. This will draw out the infection and increase the blood supply to speed healing. If Willow is licking this excessively please use a restraint collar so she can't lick the paw. These generally heal quickly with treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Willow.