Even though the pads on a dog’s paws are naturally tough and designed to protect their feet, they can still suffer from cuts and other injuries. Understanding how to respond when your dog injures their paw is crucial for their well-being and recovery. This guide outlines the steps you can take if your dog cuts their paw pad.
Understanding Your Dog’s Paws
The paw pads are a dog’s natural shock absorbers and provide traction. Injuries to these pads, whether cuts, tears, burns, or puncture wounds, require prompt attention to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
Immediate Steps for a Cut Paw Pad
If you discover your dog has a cut paw pad, follow these steps to provide initial care and determine the next course of action.
Contact Your Veterinarian
The first and most important step is to contact your veterinarian. Your vet can advise whether the injury requires immediate veterinary attention or if it can be managed at home. They can also offer specific guidance on how to care for the wound until you can get to the clinic.
Examine the Injured Pad
Carefully inspect the injured paw pad. Look for any foreign objects such as glass shards, thorns, gravel, or debris embedded in the wound. If you find loosely embedded debris, you can try to gently remove it with clean tweezers. However, if there is a large or deeply lodged object, such as a significant piece of glass, seek veterinary assistance immediately to avoid causing further harm during removal.
Clean the Wound
Clean the wound gently but thoroughly. You can do this by swishing your dog’s paw in a bowl of warm, soapy water. This helps to dislodge debris and clean the wound. Rinse the paw with clean water afterward. 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. A diluted chlorhexidine solution is another effective antiseptic for rinsing wounds.
Control Bleeding
After removing any obvious foreign objects, apply gentle pressure to the paw pad with a clean cloth or towel to help control bleeding. A cold compress can also help slow bleeding by constricting blood vessels. While minor scrapes may not bleed much, deeper cuts can take longer to stop bleeding.
Assess the Severity
Minor cuts and scrapes can often be managed at home. However, deeper or ragged cuts, or wounds with embedded debris, require professional veterinary care. If the injury appears serious, it’s time to head to your vet or an emergency animal hospital.
Bandaging and Protection
Proper bandaging can protect the wound, reduce pain, and prevent infection.
Applying a Bandage
Use non-stick sterile gauze pads to cushion the paw pad and absorb any blood. This will also help minimize discomfort when your dog walks. To secure the gauze, wrap the entire foot from toes to ankle with a self-sticking bandage like Vetwrap. These bandages are available at pet supply stores and some even have a bitter flavor to discourage chewing. Ensure the bandage is snug enough to stay in place but not too tight; you should be able to slip two fingers between the bandage and your dog’s skin. If bleeding doesn’t slow down after bandaging, seek veterinary care.
Prevent Licking
Dogs often lick their wounds, which can help kill bacteria but also lead to the wound reopening or becoming infected. Prevent your dog from licking the injured paw by using the bandage. If your dog becomes excessively preoccupied with licking, an Elizabethan collar (cone) or another protective device may be necessary.
Ongoing Care and Monitoring
Consistent care is vital for the healing process and preventing complications.
Keeping Bandages Clean and Dry
It’s essential to keep the bandages clean and dry. 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.
Changing Bandages and Monitoring the Wound
Change your dog’s bandage daily. This provides an opportunity to examine the wound for signs of healing, swelling, redness, discharge, odor, or increased pain. If you notice any of these, contact your vet immediately. Before applying a new bandage, gently clean the foot with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly.
Heading to the vet at the first sign of infection is crucial to prevent the wound from worsening. Your veterinarian can properly clean the paw, prescribe antibiotics if necessary, and provide pain medication to keep your dog comfortable.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
The first aid steps outlined here are not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to your pet’s health. If your dog’s wound is serious, or if you are uncertain about the severity of the injury, consult your veterinarian. They can provide the appropriate treatment and guide you on post-care recovery.
Note: The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your pet’s health or treatment.
If your dog has a cut paw pad, contact our Berkeley emergency vets for prompt and professional care to help your pet heal and return to their normal activities as quickly as possible.
