My Dog Has A Sore Paw It's Red And Swollen, He Keeps Licking It And He's Limping What Could It Be?

If your pet has a sore swollen paw, you need to keep in mind that it could have been caused by a number of things that are easily treated. Most of the time, the cause of such symptoms include allergic reactions and bites from insects.

• The causes: Insect bite

It is very easy for dogs to be bitten by insects because when they walk around outside they can come into contact with an array of insects without realizing. If your dog has been bitten by an insect then his paw is likely to swell as well as look quite red and painful. If he continues to lick his paw and the swelling gets bigger and more painful then you must take him to a vet.

• Allergies

Many dogs can suffer from allergic reactions and it is difficult for us to know this until they contract a response from something they are allergic to. Suffering a reaction on a paw for a dog is usually because they have quite sensitive skin, and a lot of dogs are actually allergic to grass. In addition, you must be aware of pollen and various pesticides that you may use on your yard that could potentially cause a reaction. Sometimes a specific ointment is prescribed to help bring down the swelling and get rid of the pain.

• Other causes

Sometimes a dog can pick up an injury if they are running and perhaps fall awkwardly. When something is broken or has endured a strong impact then in most cases the paw will swell and your dog will refrain from walking on it.

I must stress that we are not a medical authority so please go to a trained veterinarian for a professional diagnosis.