UPDATE: Opinion about this Toe and Nail

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Spud's foot is bothering him.  This toe could be red from licking or we think it may be this nail.  The nail is all Quick?  I really don't know much about dog's nails. Anyone?  Opinion

Should the nail's quick look like this?

The rest of the nails do not look like this at all.

But he seems to be licking all through this area from toe all the way up

This nail may have always looked this way. I have no idea and I can't remember. 

UPDATE:
It appears the foot is bruised :( Late last night it was no longer red and he was no longer licking his foot and was darkening. It's bruising. He plays really hard and last night attempted to take a corner fast on the wood floors. He slid into the wall. Stopped, and went and laid down. He knows it is time to just take it easy. Our dogs, sometimes, are smart this way too! Ouch. We've all bruised a toe. He is walking fine. If things worsen, of course, he will see his vet

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Ozzy has had a problem similar to this but, I am not a vet, I am just sharing.  Our vet said it was a "hot spot" it is when they rub in on a rock or anything really. It needs medication and then to keep it dry until it heals..Ozzy is 85lbs and all doodle.  The only thing that worked on his foot to keep it dry when he went outside in the rain was - empty I V bags from the vet.  If any one has a big doodle and has to keep a foot dry in certain weather for a medical condition ask your vet for the empty I V bags that are used just for hydration.  The only thing strong enough.  Good luck and hope the paw is better soon.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

When JD had a bad paw injury several years ago, the ER vet clinic gave me a pair of "boots" made from IV bags with gauze "ribbon ties" threaded through the tops. Very ingenious. They just cut some small vertical slits around the tops of the bags and threaded a long piece of gauze through them. They worked very well to keep his paws clean and dry on walks.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Picture?   Sounds wonderful

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

When I needed to keep Gordie's paw clean and dry after surgery I used a small child's sized sock and when he went out to potty, I put a dog poop bag over it and added another sock which I could then take off.  I don't know if Spud would leave the sock on or not.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

No way. Spud walks around with socks in his mouth all day. Like a child with his blanket.  It actually gets on my nerves because my  home really is a mess most days. Full of socks.  He likes the red socks best. I have no idea why.  He thinks it is a game.   If he sees them-he thinks he owns them.

But, he does sleep soundly, and I have gotten away with it on occasion. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No pictures; you know me, I am not a camera person, sadly. But you know how ribbon is woven through the lace trim on fancy nighties and lingerie? Like that. Very simple.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yep.  I knew you were going to say no to the pics. LOL.   But, yes, I get it.  I think it is a great idea

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Thanks Marianne.  I have been using heavy duty gallon size zip bags. He loves it. Not.

But the Claritin,  once again, took the edge off today and all is calm in his world  :) 

He may have scrapped it in all the debris from the storm in the yard which I thoroughly just finished cleaning up.

Hornet nests were also disturbed in our area from the winds and were everywhere, said our neighbor, so that may also be it. Just don't know and don't think I ever will.......

but with all the help here, this dog is resting! 

Thank You

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Good to hear he's feeling more comfortable!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yes. Both son and dog are quiet.  Whew.  Thanks

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

No problem when you have big dogs and have to keep the paws dry lets face it - it will rain LOL.  You can ask your vet for the empty bags just tell they why.  They are so strong that even an 85lb doodle can keep a paw dry while running around in the rain.

[Sharon & Monty]

It sure looks like a time when Monty's foot looked just like this.  A trip to the vet, they shaved, gave me cortisone cream and a short round of steroids   His foot healed very fast.  The trick of course is to keep it dry and away from a licking tongue.  I actually shortened his course of steroids  not quickly of course, but stretched it out with a lower dosage, and we never needed to finish them, his foot was fine.