Reviewed by Dr. Terry White, DVM
It’s alarming to see your dog limping or favoring a paw, and even more worrisome when you notice that their paw is swollen. You might feel stressful when you find that your fur baby's paws are swollen, often unsure whether it’s a minor issue or something requiring urgent care. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my dog’s paw swollen?” or “What should I do if my dog’s paw is swelling?” — you’re not alone.
In this guide, we will guide you through understanding the potential causes of a swollen paw, when you can care for it at home, and when it’s time to call the vet.
Common Causes of Swollen Dog Paws
Several issues can cause your dog’s paw to swell, and knowing these can help you identify the problem quickly:
1. Injuries or Foreign Objects
Dogs are active animals and can easily step on sharp objects like thorns, glass, or splinters during walks. A minor injury might be the reason your dog’s paw is swollen. Other times, their pads could be cut or scraped from rough surfaces.
What to look for: Check for cuts, thorns, or splinters. Swelling from injury is typically localized to one paw. Your dog may also excessively lick the area or refuse to put weight on the paw.
2. Infections
A bacterial or fungal infection can cause a paw to swell, particularly if there’s an open wound. Dogs that lick their paws frequently, especially after an injury, can introduce bacteria and cause infections that may lead to abscesses.
What to look for: Signs of infection include redness, pus, or a foul smell coming from the paw. Your dog might also have a fever or seem generally unwell.
3. Insect Bites or Stings
Dogs are curious by nature and can sometimes get stung by bees, wasps, or other insects, leading to an allergic reaction and swelling.
What to look for: Insect bites often cause sudden swelling, and your dog may start biting at the paw immediately. In severe cases, an allergic reaction could cause your dog to have difficulty breathing, in which case you should seek emergency care.
4. Allergies
Environmental allergens, such as pollen, grass, or certain cleaning products, can trigger an allergic reaction in your dog, often causing swelling in the paws. Dogs with food allergies may also experience itchy, inflamed paws.
What to look for: Dogs with allergies tend to lick and chew at their paws persistently. The swelling might be present in multiple paws rather than just one.
5. Arthritis or Joint Issues
Older dogs, in particular, may develop arthritis, which can lead to swelling around the joints, including the paws.
What to look for: If the swelling is more prominent around the joints, or if your dog struggles to get up after resting, arthritis could be the cause.
6. Edema or Lymphedema
In some cases, a swollen paw could be due to poor circulation or a build-up of fluid in the paw, known as edema. This can happen because of underlying health conditions affecting the heart or kidneys.
What to look for: Swelling from edema usually occurs in both paws or limbs and may appear soft to the touch.
First Aid for a Swollen Dog Paw
Once you’ve identified the cause, you can begin offering some at-home care to help alleviate your dog’s discomfort.
Examine the Paw
First, inspect the paw thoroughly for any visible signs of injury, foreign objects, or stings. Be gentle, as the paw is likely tender. Look for thorns, cuts, or splinters that might be lodged in the paw pad or between the toes.
Clean the Area
If there’s a small cut or scrape, clean the area with mild soap and water, then apply a pet-safe antiseptic. Make sure to dry the paw thoroughly.
Apply a Cold Compress
If the swelling is from an injury or sting, applying a cold compress can help reduce inflammation. Use a towel-wrapped ice pack and apply it for 10–15 minutes at a time.
Prevent Licking
Excessive licking can worsen swelling and lead to infection, so it’s crucial to prevent your dog from licking their paw. You might need to use an e-collar (cone) if your dog insists on licking the paw.
Keep the Paw Elevated
Just as with human injuries, keeping the affected area elevated can reduce swelling.
What to Do When Your Dog Has a Paw Injury
Beyond swelling, there are several common paw injuries that pet owners frequently encounter. Here are a few and what you can do about them:
Paw Pad Burns
Hot pavement, especially during summer, can burn your dog’s paw pads. Symptoms include limping, licking the paw pads, and visible burns or redness.
Treatment: Move your dog to a cool area, rinse the paws with cool (not ice-cold) water, and apply a soothing, pet-safe balm. Avoid walking on hot surfaces, and consider dog boots if necessary.
Cuts or Abrasions
If your dog steps on glass, sharp rocks, or other debris, they could end up with a cut paw pad.
Treatment: Clean the wound with mild soap and water, then apply an antiseptic and a clean bandage. If the cut is deep or won’t stop bleeding, head to the vet.
Ingrown Nails
Overgrown nails can curl into your dog’s paw pad, causing pain and infection.
Treatment: Keep your dog’s nails trimmed regularly to prevent ingrown nails. If the nail has already grown into the pad, a vet may need to trim it back and treat any resulting infection.
Foreign Objects (Thorns, Splinters, Glass)
These objects can become embedded in your dog’s paw, causing swelling, pain, and infection if not treated.
Treatment: Use tweezers to remove any visible object, then clean the area. If the object is deeply embedded, leave it to your vet to avoid causing more damage.
When to See a Vet
While minor injuries or insect stings may heal with at-home care, there are several scenarios where you should take your dog to the vet:
The swelling doesn’t go down after 24–48 hours
Your dog is limping or refuses to put weight on the paw
The paw is hot to the touch, red, or oozing pus
Your dog has a fever, is lethargic, or is not eating
Multiple paws are swollen, which could indicate a systemic issue like an allergic reaction or edema
Preventing Future Paw Issues
Prevention is always the best medicine. Here are a few tips to keep your dog’s paws healthy:
Regularly check and clean your dog’s paws, especially after walks.
Keep their nails trimmed to prevent overgrowth that could lead to injuries.
Avoid walking on hot pavement during the summer, as it can burn their paw pads.
Use protective boots if you walk your dog in rough terrain, especially in areas where thorns, glass, or other debris might be present.
Are You Seeing Your Dog with Swollen Paw?
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