boil

Question
I have a 9 yr.old Labrador Retreiver that has a sore ( boil like appearance initially) on top of his paw. He is licking it and making it appear worse ( to the point of raw). Is there something I can use to soak the paw? And also, any suggestions on how to stop or prevent him from licking the spot? Thanks,  Cindy Sears.

Answer
He probably has a lick granuloma and may be doing it because his foot hurts or is bored.  You can apply neosporin and wrap the paw.  Other alternatives is Bitter Apple to discourage licking to allow the foot to heal on its own.  At his age, he probably has some degree of arthritis and I would recommend consulting your vet about starting him on anti-inflammatories.  You can purchase a Glucosamine + MSM supplement for him and start him on that for his joints -- 1000 mg of each ingredient TWICE a day.