My dog's swollen paw is oozing pus. What's the best way to clean it?

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It would be much easier for us to give you advice if we could see what you are referring to. Can you please post again with some photos? All I can advise you to do without seeing photos is to soak the feet in dilute Betadine solution (1:10 dilution) for 10 minutes twice a day. Please post again with photos so we can better help you. Thank you!

If there is green pus coming from the paw this is an indication of infection that requires antibiotic therapy. I would stop using hydrogen peroxide as it isn't recommended for regular wound cleaning (can actually delay healing if used repeatedly). Clean the area with mild soap and dry well to avoid moisture, apply a topical antibiotic ointment, place an e-collar on your dog to prevent him licking the foot and make an appointment for your dog to see the vet. He likely will need oral antibiotic treatment and the vet will want to check his paw to be sure there isn't a foreign body like a splinter stuck there.

This presentation could be due to a trauma 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 may 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 (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Based on the pictures that you sent, what you are seeing appears to be what we call pododermatitis. Oftentimes we will see these swollen areas in between the toes on Bulldogs especially. Many times a topical ointment, anti-inflammatory and oral antibiotics are needed to treat this. I would suggest having a veterinarian examine this to see if it needs any antibiotics or not. If you are unable to get to your vet right away, I would suggest using zymox topical ointment and malacetic conditioning spray, both of which can be found online. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available by phone or text based consultation if needed.

Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths twice daily for 5 days. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). If the wound does not heal in 5 days a check up would be required. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I'm sorry this happened but you must understand this is a very serious wound and should be treated by your local veterinarian. She should be on oral antibiotics. No matter is what is applied to this topically, it will not heal if she continues to chew at it. You will need to either keep it bandaged (provided she does not chew the bandage off) or get her a cone collar like this one until it is healed. Be sure to get the appropriate size. The collar must go past the end of the nose or she will still be able to chew at the wound. ( https://www.amazon.in/Generic-Elizabethan-Healing-Medical-Protective/dp/B01LZHVWWF/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524316661&sr=8-3&keywords=elizabethan+collar+for+dogs ) You can try this wound spray. I still suggest you have a veterinarian look at this wound to prescribe some more effective treatment than what you can provide at home. ( https://www.amazon.in/Himalaya-Scavon-Spray-100-ml/dp/B01NGYKEPQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1524316862&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=oxytetracycline+spray+dog ) Try your best to keep flies and other insects away from the wound or she may get maggots. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to see Aly isn’t feeling well. It’s hard to say what is going on from the pictures alone. I would recommend soaking the foot in epsom salt for about 15 minutes tonight and then see your vet in the morning for a closer look. There may be an infection or abscess that needs drainage and antibiotics. Do not give her any medications tonight but the soak will help some of the swelling to get you until your appointment. Good luck and kisses to Aly!