My dog's toe is swollen and he keeps licking it. What could it be?

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear that VooDoo has a bum foot. Irritation and infection from licking can very well cause swelling and irritation like this, and KetoHex alone probably won't be enough to get the swelling down if he's still able to lick it. I highly recommend that you put an e-collar (also known as a cone) on VooDoo so that he can't get to the paw. I know it's rough on them, but they don't know not to lick, and he'll just wind up making his paw worse and worse. That being said, if the swelling doesn't go down after he hasn't been able to lick it for a while, I suggest re-visiting the vet to see if there could be anything stuck in the skin of his paw, like a tiny thorn. I have seen swelling like this caused by a foreign object in the past, and sometimes they can be very hard to see. The vet may also be able to prescribe some anti-inflammatories that will help with the swelling and pain (do not give anything over-the-counter as they could be dangerous to VooDoo). It is also possible that the swelling is being caused by a tumor, but considering VooDoo's age, I highly doubt that this is the case. Good luck, and I hope that VooDoo's foot feels better soon!

Lucy could have a foreign body such as a grass seed or foxtail causing the swelling, could have broken her toes or torn a ligament, or could have an infection. If she doesn't want to walk on it and they are very swollen, she will need to see a vet for this. The vet can diagnose what is causing the swelling and can treat her for it. I would take her into a vet tomorrow. Tonight, try soaking her paw in an Epsom salt bath, and I would put an Ecollar on her to keep her from chewing on them. You can make one at home: http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bleu. Poor boy. I agree, his toe looks super swollen. This could be due to an infection, but depending on what bit him, he could have been bitten hard enough to cause a break in the bone, leading to the swelling. It could also be due to an insect bite. I would have him seen by a vet today or tomorrow. The vet can diagnose what is causing this swelling, and can treat him. I hope this helps!

This is either a tumor, or infection. Infections are common in this area, because things like thorns and grass awns can get stuck in-between the toes. Tumors are a possibility in this area as well. We worry about certain types of tumors on the toes, because they tend to spread easier than others. Since Toby is also acting lethargic, I am more worried about cancer, or a systemic infection. Considering this, it's best to have Toby seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible in the next day or two. The vet will be able to quickly narrow-down the cause of this and start providing treatment to make him feel better. They will also be able to give you various diagnostic and treatment options. I hope that helps and Toby feels better soon.

Poor Georgia! There are a number of things that could cause a red, swollen area like this on her paw. This could be a localized infection or inflammatory reaction of some kind, such as from an insect bite or sting. It could also be a skin growth or tumor, either benign or malignant (cancerous). I would recommend having this checked by a vet within the next few days, if you are able to. He/she can do a simple test called a fine needle aspirate to help determine what this lump is. Based on the results, the vet can advise you on whether Georgia needs to be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, or whether the lump needs to be surgically removed.

Ouch, poor Issac! It looks like that could potentially be a growth of some sorts, but without seeing him in person I can't say for certain. He should see a vet for it. The vet can diagnose what is causing it and how best to treat it. In the meantime, to keep him from licking at it, I would put an Ecollar on him. You can buy one at a pet store or you can make one at home. I will put a link below on how to make one at home. As for the vet, I would see if you can get him into one Monday or Tuesday. Good luck, I hope this helps! http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

Hi there. So sorry that Fire is having this issue. It is difficult to tell what is going on from the photo. I see the swelling and redness for sure. It could be anything from a nail bed infection, to a foreign body (like a grass awn that has migrated under the skin) which is very common between the toes of dogs, or it could be the start of a cancer tumor. My recommendation is to get him to the vet for an exam so the proper diagnosis can be made. That way treatment can be instituted that will work. In the meantime you can soak the foot in Epsom salts to see if that will help reduce the swelling (about 10 minutes twice a day). Hope this helps. If you have more questions please post again! Best wishes!