One of the primary issues of dogs not wearing shoes is that their paws usually get hurt. Even though dogs’ pads are hardened, they are still prone to wounds and burns.
If you notice your dog’s foot pads are injured, it’s imperative to act promptly. Usually, dogs’ pads can be burned, torn, or punctured. Call your vet immediately to determine if you need to take your dog to the clinic or not.
Keep in mind that footpads are vital, so pay attention if your dog constantly limps or licks her pads. Unfortunately, when your dog footpads are injured, the wound usually opens up as it takes time to cure.
We recommend cleaning and disinfecting the cut at home and then consult your dog’s doctor quickly.
Follow these tips if your dog has an injured foot pad.
1. Have A First-Aid Kit
It’s a wise idea to have a pet’s first-aid kit as it’s impossible to predict when a laceration, injury, or burn might occur. This is especially true if you and your dog like to hike, walk or run, as it’s easier for your dog’s pads to get burned, cut, or injured.
We recommend having these items to heal and protect your dog pads:
- Antibiotic lotion
- Bandage supplies
- An antiseptic solution such as Betadine
- Dog booties
- Tweezers
- Natural wax for protecting the paw pad
Remember, protecting your pup pads is crucial if you live in an area with unpredictable weather conditions.
2. Evaluate The Injury
It’s essential to understand that every dog is different, so it’s your job to determine if your dog is hurt. When a pup’s pad is cut or burned, your dog can leave blood behind, limp when walking, or unable to move.
We recommend checking your dog’s body parts daily to notice cuts, scrapes, burns, fleas, and ticks. It’s vital to pay close attention to their paws to find minor wounds.
If you find a wound, cut, or burned, it’s crucial to decide if it’s possible to cure at home or if you need to take your pet to the veterinarian. If the paw is bleeding, swelling, and red, it’s best to call your dog’s doctor to assess the situation.
3. Clean The Wound
Place your pup’s pad under cool water and gently clean the dirt. You can also use a saline solution, but avoid using hydrogen peroxide as this can hurt healthy tissue.
If the wound is bleeding, apply light pressure. Take your dog to the vet if the bleeding doesn’t stop after five minutes.
Make sure to extract any debris with clean tweezers. Please note that you shouldn’t try to remove deep objects from your dog’s pads. It’s best to take her to the clinic.
Safely pat the area dry with a clean towel or washcloth. Never rub your dog’s pads, as this can aggravate the wound. Finally, apply antibacterial lotion to the injury. Don’t forget to clean the area up to three to four times daily.
Always consult your vet if you notice the wound worsen.
