What should I do if my dog's paw is infected? | arlo.® Atlas
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your dog’s paw looks infected, the safest approach is to keep it clean, dry and monitored, then contact your vet if it’s getting worse or your dog seems very sore. A red, swollen or smelly paw can have several causes, including a cut, an insect sting, a foreign body, licking irritation or a skin infection between the toes.
Things To Check
1. Check whether your dog is licking, biting or holding the paw up more than usual.
2. Look closely for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, scabs or a bad smell.
3. Check between the toes and around the claws for grass seeds, thorns, splinters or a small wound.
4. See if the problem started after a walk, muddy outing, grooming, clipping or time in long grass.
5. Compare the paw with the others to see whether one area is clearly more painful or puffy.
6. Check whether the skin is wet from licking or whether the fur is matted around the sore area.
7. Watch for signs your dog is less willing to walk, climb stairs or put weight fully on the paw.
Common Causes
The most common causes are minor cuts, cracked skin, trapped debris, over-licking and irritation from wet or dirty paws. These can sometimes become infected if bacteria get into the skin.
Other possibilities include a bite or sting, an ingrown or damaged claw, a nail bed problem, an allergic skin flare-up, or a foreign body working its way deeper into the paw. Less commonly, a more serious skin or soft tissue infection may be involved.
What To Do
Gently rinse the paw with clean lukewarm water if there’s visible dirt, then pat it dry carefully. If your dog allows it, trim away only enough fur to help you see the area more clearly.
Try to stop licking or chewing, as that can make things much more irritated. Keep walks short and avoid muddy, rough or very wet ground until you know more about what’s going on.
Check the paw once or twice a day for changes in swelling, smell, discharge or pain. If the area seems small and mild, close monitoring and gentle cleaning may be enough for the moment. If it’s worsening, painful, oozing or your dog is limping, veterinary advice is sensible.
When To Contact A Vet
Speak to your vet promptly if the paw is very swollen, very painful, leaking pus, smells strong, or your dog is not wanting to bear weight. You should also get advice if the problem keeps coming back, you suspect a thorn, grass seed or broken claw, or there’s no improvement after a short period of careful home monitoring.
Products That May Help
If your dog’s paw tends to get dirty, sore or irritated, a simple pet care routine can help you stay on top of cleaning and grooming at home.
Related Questions
Why does my dog keep licking the same paw?
How can I safely clean my dog’s paw at home?
Could a grass seed be stuck in my dog’s paw?
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.