Tips for Treating a Paw Cut on Dogs

There’s nothing worse than having an injured pooch and not knowing what you can do to help. With constant contact to the ground and everything on it, your pup’s paw is a prime target for injury. Dogs rely on their paws to absorb shock, make traction, protect them from extreme heat and whatever else is underway. Even though our canine’s paws are made to be tough and resilient, it’s not uncommon for them to be subject to injury. Hopefully, your furry friend never will, but if they do cut or injury their paw, here are some helpful tips to remember.

Common Paw Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in dogs’ paws are lacerations, punctures, and abrasions. Cuts from stray glass or other discarded sharp objects are usually the culprits. During the winter, it’s also common for scattered salt, ice, and antifreeze to cut and burn your furry friend’s paws.

Recognizing a Paw Injury

If you witness your dog walk near or on glass or sharp objects, you’ll quickly become informed of their injury due to a loud yelp or bleeding coming from your four-legged friend’s paws. Other injuries not witnessed first-hand can sometimes take a bit of time to show symptoms. If you notice any limping, bleeding, excessive licking on their paw pads, discoloration around the area, or unwillingness to put pressure on any of their paws – cause for concern should arise.

Steps to Take if Fido Has a Cut Paw

1. You’ll first want to ensure there isn’t any leftover debris, like glass, still in the wound. If there is, try to remove it with some tweezers carefully.
2. Next, flush the injured area out with a clean, warm water & salt solution (ensure it’s not too hot, you don’t want to burn their already injured paw).
3. You can also try to swish your pup’s paw around in a large container filled with clean saltwater to remove any debris you might have missed or couldn’t remove.
4. Once the paw is clean, apply pressure to the cut with a bandage – holding it there until the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding seems not to be stopping anytime soon, this is a sign that your vet should be getting involved.

A canine’s paws are not features that heal simply and quickly. So even the least severe injuries to Fido’s paw pads should signal a veterinarian visit. Most of these injuries will need proper cleaning and bandaging, no matter how well you took care of the affected area. You may not even know that more intensive treatment is necessary until your furry friend is examined by a vet. Fido’s vet will also be able to inform you of the appropriate “Next Steps” to take and possibly prescribe medication for the pain, to help the healing process, and to prevent any infections.

Prevention Tips

While you can’t protect your pooch from everything, even though we try our best to, there are some precautionary steps you can take to lower your dog’s chance of a paw injury. Regularly inspect your yard and areas your canine frequents most often. Pick up any debris or sharp objects from those areas. Also, while on walks, keep an eye out for any items on your path that could be cause for concern.

Our dogs are like family, so as pet parents, we try to protect them at all costs. No matter how hard we try, though, you’re going to experience a few mishaps – and that’s okay! As long as you know how to react appropriately, you and Fido should be just fine.