What should I check if my dog has something stuck between its toes? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog seems to have something stuck between its toes, the first thing to check is whether it’s a small foreign body such as a seed, thorn, splinter, grit or a bit of tangled fur. It could also be a sore, swelling, or irritation that just looks like something trapped there.
You can often do a careful at-home check, but don’t pull at anything deeply embedded or force the toes apart if your dog is painful.
Things To Check
1. Look at the paw in good light and check between every toe, not just the one that seems sore.
2. Check for visible things like grass seeds, thorns, grit, broken claws, matted fur or dried mud.
3. Look for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, scabs or a small lump between the toes.
4. Notice whether your dog is licking, chewing, lifting the paw, limping or reacting when you touch the area.
5. Check the paw pads and claw edges too, because the problem may be slightly lower down than it first appears.
6. See whether it started after a walk, play in long grass, muddy ground, grooming or time in the garden.
7. Compare both front or both back paws, since a foreign body usually affects one area more than the others.
Common Causes
The most common causes are bits of grass, seeds, grit or small thorns working their way into the skin between the toes. Matted fur, mud and debris can also make it look as though something is stuck when it’s really just trapped around the paw.
Sometimes the issue is a minor cut, a cracked pad, a broken claw or an irritated skin fold. Less commonly, a small lump, cyst or infection in the toe area can cause similar signs.
What To Do
Start with a calm, careful check. If your dog will allow it, rinse the paw with lukewarm water and gently part the toes to see whether the object is loose and easy to remove.
If you can see a surface-level bit of grit or mud, you may be able to lift it away gently. If anything seems stuck deep in the skin, leave it alone and keep the paw clean and dry until it can be assessed.
Watch for worsening licking, swelling or limping, and try to stop your dog from worrying at the paw. After walks, check paws regularly if your dog has been in long grass, rough ground or muddy areas.
If the problem keeps coming back, note when it happens and what surfaces your dog has been on, as that can help narrow down the likely cause.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if you can’t remove the object easily, if the paw is swollen, bleeding or very painful, or if your dog is limping or licking it constantly. It’s also sensible to get advice if there’s discharge, a smell, or the problem doesn’t settle within a day or two.
Products That May Help
For dogs with paw and grooming concerns, this collection may be useful as part of your routine cleaning and coat care after walks or muddy outings.
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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.