Dog paws

[SPR2]

How long should it take for a pad to heal? My dog has managed to damage hers - I think through a sharp stone.I have been putting antiseptic cream on and covering during the day then leaving off evening/overnight but it is still bothering her as she is still licking it quite a lot.

[Z4monster]

I think you need to keep it dry and stop her licking it. Might need to bandage it up and keep it dry for a few days.
When my two had their Boys Ops, one had two dew claws removed and they needed the bucket collars to stop them tearing off the bandages.

Healed up a treat though.

[SPR2]

I just wondered if it was correct to leave it continuosly covered. She does not rip the bandage off so will dress it in the morning and leave on for a few days.I am using Savlon on it.

[Jasandjules]

How bad is it? Have you checked there isn't glass or anything stuck in there?

Do you have hibiscrub? If not, get some and use it.

My dogs will have a sliced pad heal in about 2 days.

BTW, is it being walked on the roads/pavements or fields? Because it could be a reaction to salt etc on the roads - I am hearing more and more about this at the moment - and one of my pooches has started reacting to it as well?!!?

[Digga]

No 'expert', but the benefit of experience:

1. They will lick any and every wound, but it isn't always helpful.
2. If you can ge the cut clean & dry (and as already said, check nothing is still stuck in there) then use some of that spray-on, antisepctic plaster. This helps healing, keeps out dirt and stops the dog licking it.
3. Use some electrical tape to gently, but securely bind over the top of the cut when you go walkies, or alternatively make a 'boot' although you have to ensure this doesn't increase the risk of slips which cause other injuries. You can buy dog 'boots' although I guess they're pricey.

[SPR2]

It was nice and clean this morning but will not dress it again until Monday now.
Our walks are pavements(quite gritty), road which was salted fairly recently so could be an issue too and field.
That spray on plaster sounds a good idea and will get some hibiscrub too.
Thanks all

[itsnotarace]

We have a lot of flints round where we walk the dog so it happens every now and again. Depending how deep the paw is sliced open I I do the following

1. Thoroughly clean the wound using water with a couple of drops of Dettol diluted in
2. Dry area
3. Apply antiseptic powder liberally in and around the wound, this helps coagulate the blood and stem the bleeding.
4. Brush off excess, but don't cover
5. Allow time for it to heal, normally within a couple of days. Avoid walkies and too much activity which would cause the wound to re-open.
6. Reapply antiseptic powder if you notice the wound has opened again

If it's really deep and won't stop bleeding, seek advice from your vet asap

[bexVN]

Pads are dead skin with poor blood supply so healing has to take place from underneath. If reasonably deep infection is a real risk. So:

1. DO NOT LET YOUR DOG LICK.
2. If bandaging please be careful more harm than good can come of incorrect bandaging.
3. Bathe in salt water then pat dry, really important not to dress wet foot.

Correct dressing protocol
1. First dressing layer non stick e.g. melolin dressing 5cmx5cm
2. Cotton wool between toes (small amounts)
3. Conforming bandage from toes up
4. Covering bandage, then secure top of dressing to foot with elastoplast.

To keep dry place thick bag over bandage when outside, remove when indoors. Change every 2-3 days or if wet.

Of course you may get away with a thick sock if injury not too deep or not taking full weight when dog walks. If not a proper dressing should rest more as will not heal if constant movement.

If not healed within 5 days you really need to get if vet checked and remember if infected will need antibiotics.