— Originally published March 8, 2019. Updated May 7, 2026. —
Your dog’s paws usually don’t get much attention until something changes. One day they’re walking normally, and the next they’re limping, licking, or refusing to let you touch a foot. When that happens, an infection is one possibility—but it is not the only one.
The tricky part is that paw problems can look similar at home. A cut, a burn, a grass awn, allergies, a cracked nail, yeast overgrowth, or a bacterial infection can all cause redness, swelling, licking, and pain. This guide will help you know what to look for, what you can safely do right now, and when it’s time to get veterinary help.
What an infected paw can look like
A dog’s paw may be infected if you notice swelling, redness, warmth, pain, discharge, odor, bleeding, limping, or persistent licking and chewing. Some dogs will also pull away, cry out, or refuse to bear weight on the foot.
You may see these signs on the paw pad itself, between the toes, around the nails, or across the whole foot. If the skin looks raw, wet, shiny, or irritated between the toes, that can also point to inflammation or infection.
Yeast problems often cause reddish-brown saliva staining, a musty smell, and itchy skin between the toes. Bacterial infections are more likely to cause obvious swelling, tenderness, pustules, or discharge, but there is enough overlap that you usually cannot tell the exact cause just by looking.
Problems that can look like infection
Not every sore paw is infected. Paw problems can also be caused by allergies, burns from hot pavement or chemicals, splinters, foxtails, insect stings, torn pads, cracked nails, contact irritation, immune-related disease, or growths on the foot.
A sudden problem after a walk may suggest a foreign object, burn, or cut. Repeated licking of more than one foot often raises suspicion for allergies or recurrent yeast overgrowth, especially if the skin keeps flaring and then calming down again.
If only one toe stays swollen, the paw keeps relapsing, or you notice a lump, ulcer, or blackened area, your veterinarian may need to rule out a deeper injury or another underlying condition.
SEE ALSO: Common Dog Paw Problems & How To Treat Them
Common causes
Paw infections often begin with a break in the skin. That break may come from a puncture wound, scrape, torn pad, nail injury, foreign body, or excessive licking that damages the skin enough for bacteria or yeast to take hold.
Allergies are another very common trigger. When dogs lick itchy paws over and over, the skin becomes moist and irritated, which can lead to secondary infection.
Some dogs also struggle with recurrent paw issues because of underlying skin disease, immune system problems, or other medical conditions. When paw infections keep returning, the infection is often only part of the story.
Signs that mean “call the vet soon”
Prompt veterinary care is important if your dog will not bear weight, the paw is rapidly swelling, there is pus or foul odor, bleeding will not stop, the skin is blackening, a nail is torn badly, or you can see a deep cut or puncture. A stuck foreign object, exposed tissue, severe pain, or worsening lameness also deserves quick attention.
You should also schedule an exam if the paw looks mildly better and then flares again, if multiple paws are involved, or if your dog keeps licking the same area despite home care. Recurrent problems often need testing and targeted treatment rather than guesswork.
What you can safely do at home
If your dog will let you, examine the paw in good light. Check between the toes, under the pads, and around the nails for cuts, debris, swelling, cracked nails, thorns, or a visible foreign object.
If the paw is dirty, gently rinse it with cool water. For a minor surface wound, gently wash with mild soap, rinse well, and pat dry.
If there is a small superficial cut or scrape, you can place a light non-stick bandage over it to protect the area until you can speak with your veterinarian. The bandage should be snug enough to stay in place but never tight, and it should be kept clean and dry.
Try to stop licking. An e-collar is often safer than repeated re-bandaging because moisture and chewing can make the paw worse very quickly.
What not to do
- Do not dig into the paw to search for a thorn or grass awn. If an object is deeply embedded, veterinary removal is safer.
- Do not leave a damp or dirty bandage on the foot. Wet wraps can trap moisture against the skin and make irritation or infection worse. Swelling, odor, or discharge under a bandage are warning signs that the paw needs to be checked right away.
- Do not keep using leftover medications from a previous problem unless your veterinarian tells you they fit the current one. Bacterial infections, yeast overgrowth, allergic inflammation, and injuries may look similar at home but require different treatment.
- Do not use harsh cleaners or irritating home remedies on raw tissue. If the skin is open, inflamed, or painful, gentle cleaning and prompt veterinary guidance are safer than experimenting.
How veterinarians figure it out
Your veterinarian may recommend an exam plus tests such as cytology, skin scrapings, cultures, hair plucks, x-rays, or bloodwork depending on how the paw looks and whether the problem keeps coming back. Those tests help identify whether the main issue is bacterial, yeast-related, parasitic, allergic, inflammatory, or caused by something lodged deeper in the foot.
Treatment may include topical wipes, shampoos, sprays, soaks, pain relief, antibiotics, antifungal medication, anti-inflammatory treatment, allergy management, bandaging, or foreign-body removal. The right treatment depends on the cause, not just the appearance.
Do’s and don’ts for paw pad products when infection is possible
When a dog may have a true paw infection, the main goals are to keep the paw clean, dry, protected, and easy for your veterinarian to evaluate. Products that trap moisture, seal over discharge, rub inflamed tissue, or cover a worsening lesion for too long can interfere with healing.
Do
- Do pause non-essential traction or pad-conditioning products until you know what you are treating. A painful, swollen, wet, or draining paw needs diagnosis first.
- Do keep the paw dry before applying any wrap or protective covering. Moisture can worsen interdigital skin problems and yeast overgrowth.
- Do monitor any covered paw closely for toe swelling, odor, discharge, slipping bandages, or increased pain. Those changes can signal trouble under the wrap.
- Do ask your veterinarian whether a specific product belongs in the treatment plan before applying it over irritated skin.
Don’t
- Don’t place adhesive paw pads or stickers over a wet, raw, draining, or ulcerated paw unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to. Occlusive coverings can trap heat and moisture against fragile tissue.
- Don’t apply paw-conditioning products, friction products, waxes, or pad-strengthening products to an actively infected or open lesion unless your veterinarian says that product is appropriate during treatment. Support products are not the same as medical therapy.
- Don’t keep boots or other coverings on for extended periods over an inflamed paw without checking underneath. Trapped moisture and rubbing can worsen skin breakdown.
- Don’t use a traction aid to work around an obviously painful, swollen, or infected foot. Medical treatment comes first.
Product-specific guidance
PawFriction kit or pad-support products
Avoid using these on a paw that is actively infected, draining, ulcerated, bleeding, or not yet diagnosed. If the surface of the pad is raw or inflamed, the priority is treating the underlying problem, not changing traction or pad texture.
These products may make more sense after the infection or injury is controlled and your veterinarian agrees the paw needs support rather than medical treatment. They should not be used to cover up persistent pain, odor, swelling, or discharge.
Paw pad stickers or adhesive pads
These are not a good first choice for a paw that may be infected. Adhesives can irritate compromised skin, and coverings placed over moist tissue may trap discharge and delay healing.
If a veterinarian recommends them later for protection, they should be applied only to clean, dry, intact surrounding surfaces and checked often for rubbing, trapped moisture, odor, or worsening redness.
The most helpful way to think about it
If your dog’s paw is red, swollen, smelly, painful, wet, or being licked constantly, do not get stuck on one question: “Is it infected?” A better question is: “Why is this paw inflamed, and does my dog need veterinary care now?”
That shift matters because the best outcome comes from treating the real cause—whether that turns out to be infection, allergies, a foreign body, a torn pad, or something deeper. And if your dog is painful or the paw is worsening, it is safest to have it checked sooner rather than later.
For more information about paw injuries and a product that reinforces your dog’s paw pad strength, check out PawFriction
I had no idea that an infection may be caused by a small thorn in your dog’s paw. Recently, my dog has been limping ever since we went on a walk to the park, and I am worried that he might have stepped on something while he was there. Maybe it would be best to speak to a vet to see what is wrong with my dog’s paw.
Can you self wash your dogs paw with perioxide
We have cheet grass and goat heads bad. Unfortunately my vet won’t drain my pups paw. I have learned an epsom salt soak help draw out the infection. I hope you have better luck, it’s so hard when they’re hurt.
today while grooming my dog i noticed both front feet on top are black and have a wierd look to them also one of her ears has the same look and feel to it she dont seem to be bothered by it any idea what is going on ???
Lately my dog has been obsessively licking her paw which caused it to have a red like colour. I’m unsure if it’s infected and I’m starting to get very worried. About half a year ago her paw was cut by something at the dog park, she did not limp or show any sign of pain, she would just lick it. She wouldn’t let us see her paw or else she would try to bite us. My parents are refusing to take her to a vet because they believe it’s nothing. Any advice?
Hi Mary: Dr. Bone here. The red color is due to salivary staining…it is called porphyrin. The real question is why your dog is licking in the first place.
You’re dog has an infection
.get it check my a veterinarian.
It might be infected or have fungus that is going on with my dog right now I took him to the vet he got an injection and some antibiotics for two weeks and still he isn’t getting better need to go back again more money to spend
I didn’t know that Greyhounds are more likely to have paw issues compared to other breeds. Ever since I took my Greyhound to daycare, I noticed that she hasn’t been using her left paw to walk, which makes me wonder if she has a splinter. Perhaps I should find a veterinarian that can help treat my dog.
Hi Eli: Dr. Bone here. They definitely get their fair share of “corns.” I always checked for those in practice because it is the equivalent to walking on a small rock in the paw pads.
Hello my dog cut her paw 3 weeks ago and got stitches. She was on antibiotics and we’ve been taking care of it as the vet instructed. It’s still wrapped but she just started limping again and it looks fine. Any idea?
You might try removing the bandage and making sure it isn’t too tight.
Will warm salt water work
Hi Kelly: Dr. Bone here. We will recommend epsom salt soaks on occasion once we know what we are dealing with. It can help with discharge and swelling.
My shitzu has a wounded paw and leaking clear liquid and smells like rotten blood. What is it?
Hi-
This is tough to say. COuld be anything and we would recommend having it checked out!
Theres a pink swelling on my dogs paw, and in between the fingers, and she’s limping
She recently had a maggot infestation in the tail which rated half of her tail but we treated her in time, she’s also in heat
What to do about the paws?
Hi-
I would definitely recommend getting this looked at!
My dog baby toe has been swollen for a week no signs of a bug bit no redness I’ve done everything possible to help her.
Hi Sheila- Dr. Bone here. It might be time to have your vet take a look. Some of these infections require antibiotics to take care of them.
I didn’t realize that your dog may develop an infection if they lick their paws as a result of their allergies. My German shepherd has been trying to avoid using one of her front legs to walk, and I am worried that the sores on her paw are irritating her. Maybe I should find a professional to help me determine what the problem is.
Definitely!
My dog has been spending a lot of superivised time outside because of warm weather. Yesterday and today I noticed he was obsessively licking his paw. After managing to examine it, I saw inflamed and pink and wet skin between the pads an a tiny grey/white bump where the pad and skin meet. Is this a case for the vet or would epsom salt and time do the trick
Hi-
YOu can definitely try soaking it first. If it doesn’t improve, definitely head to your vet.
My dog started living and I’m not sure if its been an all day thing which I highly doubt because I noticed she was limping but I’m a little doubtful. I looked at her leg to see if she was cut and checked her feet. She kept licking the top of her toes. In between them it looked pretty pink and almost infected. Im not sure if I should try to treat it now or take her to a vet?
I would definitely take her in sooner rather than later. Paw pad infections are common this time of the year.
Hi, so the about 4-5 days ago my dog cut his paw pad on something outside and it bled greatly for a minute. I cleaned it up and bandaged it. The 3rd day of cleaning and bandage I notice that the paw became red and my dog began to limp and lick his paw. I don’t know if this is because I had it wrapped to tight or there is an infection. The limping has stopped but every time I take the bandage off it is still red and he insist on licking it.
Sounds like there may be something else going on, I would have it looked at!
Hello,
My dog has been obsessively licking one toe. It’s very pink in between the toes and possibly infected. I recently moved cross-country, and the vet clinics near me aren’t taking new patients until mid-July due to Covid. I also can’t take her to an urgent care clinic because I don’t have a car, and there aren’t any within walking distance. She has allergies, and I already have prescribed Gentamicin spray for her skin irritations. Could I use this to treat her paw? Would it harm her if it ends up not being a bacterial infection?
Gentamicin can certainly help and it won’t harm her but may not help
Noticed my dogs paw has been bleeding, looked at it and it’s pink and looks like a white discharge. He keeps licking and trying not to put pressure on it
Anytime a dog won’t walk on their foot it is definitely worth getting checked out!
Our 3 year old med large dog seemed to get something in her paw with sudden discharge which helped her limping.Ended up going to vet for xray,exam, found nothing but had infection.Put on meds, she gets good then the limping starts again, and this time it is worse, keeps her paw off the floor as much as possible.It appears swollen, ankle area and down.Maybe need a 2nd opinion?
Definitely! I would look into a veterinary dermatologist
It helps a lot when you mention how dogs with slender limbs may be more likely to experience paw complications. Ever since my Chihuahua broke her paw when she fell off of our deck outside a month ago, we have been worried that the wound might have become infected since it has been taking a long time to heal. Maybe I should find an expert that can examine my dog’s injury.
Definitely! Front limbs can be very difficult to heal
Our German Shepard starting licking/chewing on her paw. Now her left left paw toe is red, swollen and tender to palpation at the base near the joint. We’ve taken her to the vet and he said it could be from arthritis in her hip but she’s got issues with her hip. We also got Rimadyl and some ointment (BNT EKT) that the vet made but there has been little to no improvement. They want to do x-rays on her hip, but It really appears to be more localized to her toe. Thoughts?
I think it might be best to image the entire leg, including the toe.
Is it true that I am supposed to be shaving the hair from between my pups paws/toes/pads to prevent yeast infection?
anything to help water to build up can be beneficial but shaving the paws does not prevent a yeast infection
Hi. I took my pitbull to the vet, they did a skin cytology and found she had bacterial infection between her toes. They prescribed oral antibiotics and had me soak her paw in daikin’s solution once a day. After a few days, her paw looked a lot better. She began to lick at it so I’ve been wrapping it with self adhesive paw wraps. She just took her last dose of antibiotics today and after checking, her paw is red, swollen and raw. Could the bacteria have spread?
I would espect things to be much better by now; you might want to consider a recheck with them
I noticed after a walk in our field that my dogs 1 front toe has become swollen and red underneath and a little warm. Shes not limping and walking fine. Although it is very swollen. Wondering what it could be? Can’t get her into a vet till next month. Anything I can do to help, very worried.
hi-
I would try to get in sooner if possible or call them to get some antibiotics.
Treatment: apply balm to pad once or twice daily* to help restore the proper moisture to the pad.Checked the paws frequently and keep the pads clean and dry until healed. If there is an infection, apply an antibiotic cream (prescribed by a veterinarian) on a piece of gauze; keeping it clean and dry by placing a toddler’s sock over the paw and taping it securely, but not tightly, around the dog’s ankle to protect it. As long as your dog does not seem to be in pain, continue his normal activities, including walks. Callus a condition which occurs when the paw pads are subjected to tough conditions repeatedly, causing them to form a thick layer of protective cells in an effort to prevent further damage. The pads then become too hard, and more prone to drying and cracking, which makes them more vulnerable to infections as well.
My 2 year old mix had a fox tail stuck in his foot for several days and it was swollen and infected (I originally thought it was a bug bite). I got the swelling down, finally saw the foxtail and removed it. Now the area around the foxtail wound has turned black. It does not appear to be causing him any pain and its been a week or so and the black area has not gotten any larger. I am very concerned and do not have money to take him to the vet at this moment. Can you please advise?
Tough to say; it is not uncommon for skin to turn necrotic after an injury. I would monitor it closely and try and get him in if it starts getting larger
My dog had a split nail and today I noticed that the pad of his pita is swollen. I believe it’s now infected. He is Limping. What should I do for him?
I would take him in; we don’t mess around once the pad is swollen
My dog was limping for a day, now he’s no longer limping. He has swelling in his toe, which has reduced slightly, the littler bugger has taken the fur out too. He’s fine in himself, not limping, just still a little swollen.