Your dog's paw pads are made from a combination of very thick skin, connective tissue, and fat. This combination allows the pads to withstand almost all conditions, both hot and cold. However, even though paw pads are very strong and durable, they can still be injured. If you have a dog with an injured paw pad, here are a few simple tips to help you properly care for the injury.
Examine and Clean the Wound
If you notice your dog limping, examine the paw pad for any injuries. Minor scrapes and abrasions can easily be treated at home. Begin by applying pressure to the wound to stop any bleeding. If your dog is in severe pain or the paw pad is swollen, an ice pack can help the swelling go down. Once the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound gently with cool water. Apply an antibiotic ointment that is made for dogs to the affected paw pad. Wrap a gauze bandage around the affected paw and encourage your dog to rest. Wrap the paw tight enough that the bandages do not slip. However, pay attention that the bandage does not cut off circulation to your dog's paw.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
If the bleeding does not cease after several minutes or if the wound is very deep, contact your veterinarian right away. Depending upon the severity of the injury, your veterinarian might recommend bringing your dog into the office to be treated. A severe injury to the paw pad can actually impact the entire paw, including the tendons.
Keep the Paw Dry and Covered While It Is Healing
Whether you are treating the paw pad injury on your own or your dog required a visit to the veterinarian, it is important to properly care for the wound. Change the bandage several times a week and reapply an antibiotic ointment. Watch for signs of infection, including swelling, fever, increased pain, or oozing discharge from the injury.
Do not allow the dog to lick the wound, as this can increase the likelihood of an infection.
Prevent Future Injuries
There are several ways you can prevent future injuries to your dog's paw pads. Keep your dog's nails trimmed to ensure your dog does not trip and accidentally damage their paw pads. Slip a set of booties on your dog's paws before taking them for a walk in the cold or heat. Frostbite and burns can easily occur within a few minutes of being exposed to extreme conditions.
Injuries to your dog's paw pads can heal quickly with the right care. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
A vet is someone who is there for your pet from their early years until their last years. When your pet is young, a vet can give them the vaccines they need for disease prevention as they become acquainted with the world. As your pet ages, your vet can monitor them for the conditions that often come with old age, such as arthritis and cancer. Vets care about their patients. We hope you will learn more about this care as you browse the content on this blog. We do our best to offer well-researched and helpful information for pet owners like you.