Is my dog's strange reaction to Epsom salt on her paw normal?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks as though something may have punctured the skin and caused an infection. This looks like it could be an abscess / isolated infection. For the epsom salt soak, I generally recommend ~1/2 cup of epsom salt added to 1 gallon of warm water. It is ok if he licks the foot after the soak as the epsom salt is not toxic. I would recommend using a plastic cone to prevent him from licking at the area. If he continues to lick the area, the wound will likely not resolve. If this does not resolve or it worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Rocky so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hello there! I'm so glad your pups are home safe. It sounds like you are doing right by them until their vet visit with the bandaging and Neosporin (be sure that no one eats the bandages - you certainly don't want any secondary GI problems!). The limping is probably from the paw damage, but your vet will give them a thorough exam to make sure that they don't have any other injuries. I recommend avoiding the Epsom salt soak for any open wounds as it may be irritating. Epsom salts are good for painful joints and the like, but we don't want to put salt into any cuts. If you think anything might be stuck in their paw pads, a soak in lukewarm water with a mild soap solution may be helpful. Just be sure to rinse and dry their paws very well afterwards to avoid any further moisture build-up in between the toes, which may harbor bacteria. I hope they both feel better soon!

Yes, you can do an epsom salt bath for his feet for 5-10 minutes 1-2 times a day and then rinse and VERY gently pat dry. Do not give him any human pain medications or aspirin at home because they are actually toxic to dogs. If Charlie is so uncomfortable that he can sleep or eat, I would recommend taking him to an emergency clinic before Monday. I hope he's feeling better soon!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for the pictures! The thing on his foot looks like a mass that is bleeding. The most common growths that look like this are sebaceous adenomas or skin tags. You can soak the food in Epsom salts and apply a triple antibiotic ointment but the mass likely needs to be removed. I wish you the best!

Place an e-collar on Darby to prevent further kicking and chewing. An Epsom salt foot soak may provide relief from whatever is bothering her. Restrict activity to just leash walks for elimination. Monitor for worsening lameness/sensitivity, swelling, bruising or bleeding. See your veterinarian for an exam if symptoms persist.

She could have allergies or an infection. You could soak her paw in a warm Epsom salt solution and see if that helps. Otherwise, she should be examined by your vet. She may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or a corticosteroid to treat.

You can try a foot soak in an Epsom salt bath. Dissolve 1 cup of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of warm water. Soak for 15-20 minutes. Dry thoroughly afterwards. That may soothe her feet. Restrict activity to just leash walks for elimination and consider booties next time she goes on a long walk.