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Why is my dog's front paw swollen, raw, and bleeding again?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | neutered | 30 lbs

I noticed his right front paw was bothering him about a week ago and I looked at it and it looked kind of raw or as like a road rash. And it's so I put some Neosporin on it and wrapped it he wouldn't leave the rap alone so I just took it off thought it was getting better and I noticed today his foot looks a little swollen and when I looked at that Paw it also was bleeding and looks raw again the third picture that I have attached is just so you can see if the front right looks swollen

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on June 18th, 2018

I agree with you that the area looks swollen and raw. I would be worried that the area might be infected and that Lennon may need antibiotics to resolve the problem. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine him. In the meantime, you could consider soaking the foot (and wound) in Epsom Salts (following the instructions on the package) for 5 minutes to help decrease the swelling.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Lennon feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on October 29th, 2019
Hi and thanks for posting.

From the pictures, it looks like Shirley's paw is severely infected. She will need to see her veterinarian ASAP for this. Shirley will likely need the hair around her paw clipped and her paw cleaned with a special antiseptic solution. Shirley will also likely need to be on oral and maybe topical anitbiotics for a while to help heal her paw.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 20th, 2017
Oh my. Poor Zeus. This looks like an open wound (possibly a cut) on the foot and I agree with you it is badly infected. You will have to take Zeus in to your local vet to have this surgically repaired and then he will need oral prescription antibiotics as well as pet friendly anti-inflammatory medication in order to get this to heal properly. Until you can get him seen by your vet I would suggest gently cleaning it with a bowl full of Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water. This is a good antiseptic and also can help reduce some of the inflammation and discomfort. You can then try wrapping it semi-loosely with bandage material from your local pharmacy. Loose sock can then be placed on Zeus to keep him from chewing at the bandage or you can purchase an e-collar to place on him to deter him from messing with it. I surely hope your pet Zeus can get this taken care of soon. Here is a financial resources website in case you need it as well. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
Best of luck to you and Zeus. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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