The paw pads of your dog are remarkably tough, designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, they are not impervious to injury and can suffer from cuts, tears, burns, or puncture wounds. If your canine companion has an injured paw pad, prompt and proper care is essential for their recovery and well-being. This guide will walk you through the steps to take when your dog sustains a cut paw pad.
Understanding Your Dog’s Paws
Your dog’s paw pads are their natural shock absorbers and protective layers, enabling them to walk, run, and play on various surfaces. When these pads are injured, it can significantly impact your dog’s mobility and comfort. Recognizing the signs of injury and knowing how to respond can make a crucial difference in the healing process.
Immediate Steps When Your Dog Cuts a Paw Pad
If you discover your dog has a cut paw pad, the first course of action is to remain calm and assess the situation.
Contact Your Veterinarian
The initial and most crucial step is to contact your veterinarian. They can provide guidance on whether the injury requires immediate veterinary attention or if it can be managed at home. If the injury is severe, your vet may advise you to go to an emergency animal hospital. Your veterinary team can offer expert advice on how to care for your dog’s paw until you can bring them in.
Examine the Injured Pad
Carefully inspect the injured paw pad. Look for any foreign objects embedded in the wound, such as glass, thorns, gravel, or debris. If you find loosely embedded debris, you can attempt to gently remove it with clean tweezers.
If a large piece of glass or another foreign object is deeply lodged in your dog’s paw, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact your nearest emergency vet immediately for advice on how to safely transport your dog while keeping them comfortable.
Clean the Wound
To clean the cut, prepare a solution of warm, soapy water in a bowl or bucket. Gently swish your dog’s paw in the water to help dislodge any debris and clean the wound. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Alternatively, you can use a hose to gently spray the paw with clean water, adding a small amount of liquid hand soap or dish soap to help kill bacteria. An antiseptic solution, such as diluted chlorhexidine, can also be used to rinse and clean the wound.
Control Bleeding
Once any obvious foreign objects have been removed, apply gentle pressure to the paw pad with a clean cloth or towel to control bleeding. A cold compress can also help constrict blood vessels and slow the bleeding. While minor scrapes may not bleed much, deeper cuts can take some time to stop bleeding.
Assessing the Severity of the Injury
Minor cuts and scrapes can often be treated at home. However, deeper or more complex injuries require professional veterinary care.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
You should seek veterinary attention if the cut on your dog’s paw pad is ragged, deep, or if there is still debris lodged in it. In such cases, your vet will thoroughly clean and dress the wound. They may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat infection.
Bandaging the Wound
Proper bandaging is essential to protect the wound, absorb any discharge, and reduce pain.
Applying a Bandage
Use non-stick sterile gauze pads to cushion the bottom of your dog’s cut paw pad and absorb any blood. This will also help minimize discomfort when your dog walks. To secure the gauze, wrap your dog’s entire foot with a self-sticking bandage, such as Vetwrap or Well & Good. These bandages are available at most pet supply stores and some even have a bitter flavoring to deter chewing.
Wrap the bandage from the toes to the ankle. This helps prevent swelling of the toes and keeps the bandage from slipping. Ensure the bandage is snug but not too tight; you should be able to slip two fingers between the bandage and your dog’s skin. If bleeding continues despite the bandage, seek veterinary care immediately.
Preventing Licking and Ensuring Ongoing Care
It’s crucial to prevent your dog from excessively licking the wound, as this can lead to infection and reopening of the cut.
Discouraging Licking
While some licking can be beneficial, excessive licking can be detrimental. Bandaging helps, but if your dog becomes fixated on licking, an Elizabethan collar (cone) or another device may be necessary to allow the paw pad to heal properly.
Maintaining Bandages and Monitoring Healing
Keeping the bandages clean and dry is vital throughout the healing process. Use a waterproof bootie or a plastic bag secured around your dog’s foot and ankle when they go outside to protect the bandage from moisture and dirt.
Change your dog’s bandage daily. This provides an opportunity to examine the wound for signs of healing or infection. Watch for any swelling, increased redness, discharge, odor, or increased pain. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. Before applying a new bandage, gently clean the foot with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly.
Final Advice
The first-aid steps outlined here are intended to supplement, not replace, professional veterinary care. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to your pet’s health. If your dog’s wound appears serious, or if you are uncertain about the severity of the injury, consult your veterinarian. They can provide the necessary treatment and guide you on aftercare to ensure a full recovery.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
If your dog has a cut paw pad, contact our Berkeley emergency vets for expert care. We are dedicated to helping your pet heal and return to their normal activities as quickly as possible.
