What should I check if my dog has a wound on the paw that won’t heal?
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Overview
If your dog has a wound on the paw that won’t heal, the first things to check are whether something is stuck in the paw, whether the area keeps getting wet or dirty, and whether your dog is licking it. A stubborn paw wound is often linked to repeated irritation, but it can have several possible causes, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on it.
Things To Check
1. Check whether your dog is licking, chewing or biting the paw, especially when you’re not watching.
2. Look closely for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, a scab that keeps reopening, or a bad smell.
3. Check between the toes and around the pads for grass seeds, splinters, thorns or other small debris.
4. See if your dog is holding the paw up, limping, or showing pain when the paw is touched.
5. Think about when it started and whether it gets worse after walks, muddy exercise, grooming or time outside.
6. Check the nail area and the skin around it, as a broken nail or nail-bed irritation can look like a paw wound.
7. Look for anything that might be trapping moisture or rubbing the area, such as dirty fur, a bandage, or a tight boot.
Common Causes
The most common cause is ongoing irritation from something small in the paw, such as a thorn, grass seed or grit. Even if it’s not obvious at first, a foreign body can keep the skin open and stop it settling.
Repeated licking is another frequent reason a paw wound doesn’t heal. Moisture and constant attention can keep the skin sore and slow down recovery.
Minor cuts, cracked skin, broken nails or friction from exercise can also keep reopening in a busy paw area. Sometimes the issue is made worse by dirt, mud or damp conditions.
Less commonly, a wound that won’t heal may be linked to infection, an allergic skin problem, or something under the skin that needs veterinary assessment.
What To Do
Gently check the paw in good light and compare it with the other feet. If you can safely see a small piece of debris sitting on the surface, remove it carefully, but don’t dig around if it seems embedded.
Keep the area as clean and dry as you reasonably can. After walks, rinse off mud or dirt if needed and dry the paw well, especially between the toes.
Try to stop licking if possible, since that often keeps the wound open. Short, supervised rest from rough ground can also help reduce repeated irritation.
Monitor the wound for changes over the next day or two. If it’s getting smaller and less sore, that’s encouraging. If it keeps reopening, becomes more swollen, or your dog seems uncomfortable, it’s sensible to get it checked.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the wound is not improving, if you suspect something is embedded in the paw, or if your dog is lame, very sore, or repeatedly licking the area. A vet should also see it sooner if there’s swelling, discharge, a bad smell, or the skin looks increasingly red or angry.
Related Questions
Why does my dog keep licking one paw?
How can I tell if something is stuck in my dog’s paw?
Should I clean my dog’s paw wound at home?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.