Dog Paw Raw Between Toes: Causes and Treatment

Name: Dog Paw Raw Between Toes: Causes and Treatment
Creator: Dr. Zubair Khalid

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-10-03

A raw, red, or swollen area between your dog's toes usually means the skin has been damaged by friction, moisture, allergies, or infection, and sometimes by a foreign object stuck in the webbing. The medical term for a painful pus-filled pocket between the toes is an interdigital furuncle, and it behaves much like a severely infected pimple [1]. Most cases improve once the trigger is removed and the skin is kept clean and dry, but some need prescription treatment.

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

Quick Answer

Raw skin between the toes is a sign, not a diagnosis. Allergies, bacterial infection, moisture, friction, and embedded foreign material are the usual culprits [1].
Short, bristly hairs in the webbing can be pushed backward into the hair follicles during normal walking, which causes inflammation and secondary infection [1].
Breeds with heavy webbing or short coat hair on the paws, such as Chinese Shar-Peis, Labrador Retrievers, and English Bulldogs, are predisposed [1].
Clean the area gently, dry it well, and stop your dog from licking. Licking keeps the skin wet and delays healing.
See a veterinarian if the area is swollen, bleeding, has a foul odor, or your dog is limping or in pain.

What a Raw Paw Between the Toes Looks Like

The webbing between the toes is thin, warm, and always slightly moist. That makes it easy for small problems to grow into big ones.

You may notice:

A red, shiny patch where the fur has thinned or worn away
A raw spot that your dog keeps licking or chewing
Swelling that makes the toes look puffy or spread apart
A small bump, blister, or draining sore in the webbing
Brown staining from saliva on light-colored fur
A limp, or reluctance to let you touch the paw

Some of this is normal. Dogs have a small amount of webbing, and a little pink color in the crease is common. What is not normal is skin that stays red, feels hot, smells bad, bleeds, or causes your dog to limp.

If your dog is licking the paws raw in general, not only between the toes, that pattern often points to itching instead of a single injury. See Dog Licking Paws Raw: Causes and How to Stop It for a broader look at that behavior.

Main Causes of a Dog Paw Raw Between Toes

Interdigital furuncles (interdigital cysts)

An interdigital furuncle is a localized infection in the skin between the toes, similar to a boil [1]. These painful, pus-filled blisters often form in the webbing [1]. The most common cause is a deep bacterial infection, and ingrown hair shafts are a frequent trigger because they are highly inflammatory in the skin [1].

Owners often call these "interdigital cysts," and that is the term many veterinarians use in conversation. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes the same problem as an abscess or furuncle between the toes [1].

Allergies and atopic dermatitis

Allergic skin disease is a major driver of redness and itching in the interdigital spaces. Interdigital dermatitis is a significant clinical finding in dogs with atopic dermatitis, and these lesions can be stubborn to treat with conventional therapy [2]. Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin condition in dogs [3].

When allergies are the root cause, the paws are usually affected on more than one foot, and the problem comes back seasonally or year-round. Licking is intense, and the skin stays damp, which invites secondary bacterial or yeast infection.

Moisture, flooring, and friction

Wet paws are a real risk factor. In a study of dogs housed in commercial breeding facilities, wet paws were identified in 12.6% of dogs, and researchers found an association between sex and wet paws [4]. The same study identified pododermatitis, calluses, erythema, and matted paw fur as common paw findings [4].

Standing or walking on hard, abrasive surfaces such as concrete, gravel, or diamond-coated expanded metal was part of the housing environment studied [4]. In everyday life, the lesson is simple: constant moisture plus rough or hard surfaces wears down the skin barrier between the toes.

Foreign bodies and trauma

A splinter, burr, grass awn, or small stone can lodge in the webbing. Less commonly, a hair shaft becomes infected when foreign material is embedded in the skin [1]. Foxtail-type grasses are a classic problem in many parts of the United States.

Trauma also happens from stepping on sharp objects, catching a nail, or sliding on slick floors. Any break in the skin between the toes can become infected within a day or two.

The extra toe (dewclaw) and nail problems

Dogs have a dewclaw on the inner side of each front leg, and many have one on the hind legs too. This extra toe sits higher up the leg, so it does not bear weight. It can still cause trouble. A dewclaw that curls inward can rub the skin, and a torn or overgrown dewclaw can create a raw, painful spot nearby.

Nail problems can also masquerade as toe problems. A split nail, an ingrown nail, or a nail bed infection can make the whole toe look swollen and red.

Cause comparison table

Cause	Typical clues	How urgent
Interdigital furuncle (abscess)	Painful pus-filled blister in the webbing, swelling, limping, sometimes draining [1]	Same-day vet visit
Allergic skin disease	Itching on multiple paws, redness, recurrent episodes, often seasonal [2][3]	Routine visit, sooner if infected
Moisture and friction	Wet, macerated skin, matted fur, history of hard flooring or frequent swimming [4]	Routine visit, home care often helps
Foreign body	Sudden pain, one paw only, visible splinter or burr, swelling on one side	Same-day vet visit
Trauma or nail injury	Broken nail, cut pad edge, bleeding, one specific spot	Emergency if bleeding will not stop
Dewclaw irritation	Raw spot near the extra toe, curled nail, rubbing against skin	Routine visit

Red Flags That Make It an Emergency

Call an emergency clinic right away if you see any of these:

Bleeding that does not stop after 5 to 10 minutes of firm pressure
A deep cut, puncture, or a wound that exposes tissue
Sudden severe swelling of the whole paw with your dog unable to bear weight
A toe that is cold, pale, blue, or dark
A visible foreign object you cannot safely remove, especially near a joint
Signs of a systemic infection: fever, vomiting, lethargy, or not eating
A swollen area that bursts and drains large amounts of pus or blood

A spreading infection in a paw can move quickly. Do not wait a few days to see if it improves on its own.

Safe Home Care While You Wait for the Vet

Home care is about comfort and hygiene, not curing a deep infection. Keep it simple.

Clean gently. Rinse the paw with lukewarm water or a dilute pet-safe antiseptic solution recommended by your veterinarian. Do not scrub raw skin.

Dry thoroughly. Pat the webbing dry with a clean towel, then let the paw air dry. Moisture is the enemy here [4].

Stop the licking. An Elizabethan collar or a soft recovery cone is the single most useful tool. Licking keeps the skin wet, adds bacteria, and prevents healing. If your dog is a determined licker, see Dog Licking Paws Raw Treatment for strategies that work.

Protect the paw outdoors. A clean sock or a veterinary bootie keeps dirt out during walks. Change it if it gets wet.

Limit licking triggers. Boredom and stress can increase paw licking. More exercise, chew toys, and puzzle feeders can help some dogs.

Do not use human antibiotic ointments, steroid creams, or hydrogen peroxide unless your veterinarian tells you to. Some of these delay healing or are toxic if licked off.

Do not try to squeeze or pop a swollen area between the toes. That can push infection deeper.

If you want gentler options for mild, itchy paws, Dog Licking Paws Raw Home Remedy covers what is reasonable to try at home and what to avoid. For paws that smell yeasty or have a musty odor, see Home Remedy Yeast Dog Paw Infection Between Toes.

What Your Veterinarian Will Check and Test

Your veterinarian will start with a full physical exam and a close look at all four paws, not only the sore one. They will check the nails, the dewclaws, the pads, and the skin between every toe.

Expect questions about:

How long the problem has been present
Whether it comes and goes
Which paws are involved
Diet, flea prevention, and any recent changes
Flooring, swimming, hiking, or boarding
Whether your dog is licking, chewing, or limping

Common tests include:

Skin cytology. A sample is taken from the surface to look for bacteria and yeast under a microscope.
Skin scraping. This checks for mites such as Demodex or Sarcoptes.
Bacterial culture. Used for deep or recurrent infections to pick the right antibiotic.
Foreign body exploration. The vet may probe the tract or use imaging if a grass awn or splinter is suspected.
Allergy workup. If the pattern fits atopic dermatitis, your vet may discuss allergy testing or a diet trial [2][3].

Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial infections need prescription antibiotics, and your veterinarian calculates the dose from your dog's weight and health. Deep or recurring furuncles may need drainage, flushing, or longer courses of medication [1]. For chronic interdigital follicular cysts that do not respond to medical management, surgery such as fusion podoplasty is an option, and a recent study reported that all treated paws healed with a median healing time reported by the authors [5].

Newer options exist for allergic interdigital dermatitis. A 2025 study evaluated localized cryotherapy applied at -5°C for 10 seconds to the interdigital spaces in dogs with atopic interdigital dermatitis, and both treatment groups showed improvement in redness and severity scores after treatment [2]. Ask your veterinarian whether any newer therapy fits your dog's case.

Prevention and Monitoring

Prevention is mostly about keeping the space between the toes clean, dry, and protected.

Dry the paws after every swim, bath, or rainy walk.
Keep the hair between the pads and toes trimmed if it stays matted or wet. Matted paw fur was identified in 6.17% of dogs in one facility study [4].
Rinse paws after hikes in tall grass or on sandy or dusty ground.
Check the paws weekly. Look between every toe, at the nails, and at the dewclaws.
Keep nails trimmed so they do not curl into the skin.
Use booties on hot pavement, ice, or rough terrain.
If your dog has allergies, stay on the plan your veterinarian set. Uncontrolled itching leads to licking, and licking leads to raw skin [2][3].
Watch for early signs: pink skin, extra licking, or a slight smell. Catching it early is easier than treating a deep infection.

If your dog has had more than two or three episodes in a year, ask your veterinarian about the underlying cause. Recurrent interdigital problems usually have a trigger that has not been fully addressed.

Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian

This article cannot tell you what is causing your dog's specific problem. Only a veterinarian who examines your dog can do that.

Contact your veterinarian the same day if:

The area is swollen, hot, or painful
Your dog is limping or refusing to walk
You see pus, blood, or a foul odor
The raw spot is getting bigger or not improving after 2 to 3 days of home care
Your dog has a fever, is lethargic, or is not eating

Go to an emergency clinic now if:

Bleeding will not stop
The paw is suddenly very swollen or your dog cannot bear weight
A toe looks dark, cold, or blue
Your dog is collapsing, vomiting, or severely lethargic
You suspect a foreign object is deeply embedded

Schedule a routine visit if:

The problem is mild and your dog is comfortable
The same paw keeps flaring up
You want to discuss allergy testing or long-term management

Every case is different, and your veterinarian will tailor the plan to your dog's age, weight, health history, and the specific cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I pop a swollen bump between my dog's toes?

No. These bumps are often deep infections, and squeezing can push bacteria further into the tissue. Your veterinarian can decide whether it needs to be drained under clean conditions.

Can I use human antibiotic cream on my dog's raw toe?

Not without veterinary guidance. Dogs lick their paws, and many human products are not meant to be swallowed. Some ingredients can also slow healing or irritate the skin further.

How long does a raw spot between the toes take to heal?

Mild irritation from moisture or friction can improve in a few days with cleaning, drying, and licking prevention. Deep infections or cysts often need weeks of treatment, and some chronic cases need surgery.

Is a raw spot between the toes always an infection?

No. Allergies, moisture, friction, trauma, and foreign bodies can all cause raw skin. Infection often develops on top of those problems, which is why the underlying trigger matters.

Does my dog need antibiotics for every raw paw?

No. Antibiotics only help bacterial infections. Your veterinarian will use exam findings and testing to decide whether antibiotics are needed and which one is right.

References

Abscesses Between the Toes (Interdigital Furunculosis) in Dogs - Dog Owners. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Effect of localized cryotherapy on interdigital pruritus of dogs with canine atopic dermatitis. Journal of veterinary science, 2025.
Systemic Inflammation in Dogs With Atopic Dermatitis Compared to Healthy Dogs and Dogs With Pemphigus Foliaceus: A Study Using a Limited Cytokine Panel. Veterinary dermatology, 2026.
A cross-sectional study to investigate associations between flooring substrates and prevalence of limb and paw abnormalities of dogs housed in commercial breeding facilities. Frontiers in veterinary science, 2025.
Fusion podoplasty provides favorable long-term outcomes in dogs with interdigital follicular cysts unresponsive to medical therapy: a retrospective study of 16 cases. American journal of veterinary research, 2026.