My dog's paw is swollen. How do I treat a possible bite or wound?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

  Veterinarian

  An insect bite is possible, but it appears like this area is infected. This type of wound often happens when the dog gets a thorn or grass-awn stuck under the skin. These can cause a great deal of swelling and damage to the surrounding tissue if the object is not removed.
  
  It's best to take her to the vet in the next day or two to get this examined and explored for a foreign body (i.e. thorn). The vet will be able to clean inside the wound and prescribe the necessary medication to get this healed.
  
  For now, you can apply a cloth soaked in warm water for 15 minutes twice a day. This may help the wound to drain. Gently clean the area at-least once a day with soap. You can also make a salt water solution and let the foot soak for 15 minutes twice a day.
  
  I hope that helps and Savie gets better soon.

  

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• Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 13th, 2017

  Poor Koa! I understand how concerned you must be for her. I know what you're describing by saying it's a "volcano" like wound. It could be from a thorn or grass seed that's penetrated her foot and then has swollen and burst out. I also sometimes see this with interdigital cysts which are more common in bull breeds beagles and spaniels. They can form from a reaction to basically any ingrown hair. Sometimes they are associated with skin allergies. I have also seen wounds on paws from insect bites or stings (spiders, or bees). For tonight I recommend trying to soak her foot in a bowl of warm water with either table salt or even epsom salts added (1-2 tablespoons in a cereal bowl sized container). Also, if you can fit an e collar / cone on her to prevent licking. If you don't have one you could try taping a sock over her foot. Take her to the vet in the morning so they can determine what care she needs. ***If she seems very painful, or the wound is actively bleeding you should take Koa to the emergency vet tonight***

  

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• Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on November 9th, 2018

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This lump could be something like an abscess for example. I think that is more likely than being a growth given her age though a growth cannot be completely ruled out. However, other things are possible. I recommend that you have Luna evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If an abscess was noted, further local therapy with drainage and antibiotics would be recommended. Good luck and best wishes!

  

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• Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 14th, 2018

  Autumn's leg definitely seems swollen! It's possible that she has a wound that is infected causing swelling and inflammation of the surrounding skin. A joint infection or even a tumor would also be a possibility. I think it's a great idea to have a vet examine Autumn in person - they might recommend taking an x-ray or performing a needle aspirate of the swollen area to help determine what is going on. Be aware that if Autumn has a fever or other evidence of a serious infection they might recommend delaying her Bordetella vaccine.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful