boxer brindle lab 5 1/2 yrs old has a red swollen lump on right back paw

Question
Good morning, I took my dog about a week ago to her usual dog cleaning. The next day I noticed her licking her right back paw. I looked at what she was licking, it is on the right outside of her paw, red, swollen, hard. Nothing coming out of it, she isn't limping, just licking it. What should I do? Hate taking her to the vet, if I don't need to. Should I contact where I get her groomed, to see if they noticed it? thanks

Answer

Hi Wendy,

Try soaking your dog's foot in a solution of warm Epsom Salts (about a quarter-cup per 1 quart of water, dissolved in warm water) once a day followed by cleaning the area with a Betadine solution. Dry the area well by either blotting it with a clean towel or use a hair dryer on low, if your dog will allow it.  Apply Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment to help the pad to heal. Alternatively, you could use Epsom Salt Gel instead of soaking the foot.

If you can't keep your dog from licking her foot, try putting a clean cotton sock on her foot. To hold the sock on you can run a circle of first aid tape around the cuff part of the sock to help hold it up and on. Be careful not to tape any of your dog's hair or make the tape too tight.

If after 3 or 4 days the wound doesn't look any better, then it's time to have your vet examine it.

Best of luck,

Patti