Injury to the paw – how to help your pet?

The delicate pads of a dog's paws are highly susceptible to injury. The main threats include hot sidewalks in the summer, as well as salt and ice on them during winter. They can also be injured by contact with sharp objects, such as bottle caps, stones, or glass.

Injury to the paw – how to help your pet?

First, carefully examine the wound, and if it's bleeding, make sure to stop the bleeding. Next, disinfect, wash, and thoroughly dry the wound. It’s advisable to cover the wound with a sterile dressing (sterile gauze and bandage).

If the wound is large or deep, if the bleeding doesn't stop, or if there is a foreign object in the wound, immediately contact a veterinary clinic. The veterinarian will assess whether stitches are needed, if any tissue needs to be removed, or if additional measures are required to prevent infection.

It is very important to regularly change the dressings and check the wound site. To further protect the dressing from dirt and licking, it’s recommended to use a protective boot for the injured paw. If the animal is persistently trying to interfere with the covered area, the veterinarian may suggest using a special collar to limit access to the wound.

During recovery, it's a good idea to limit walks to prevent the animal from putting weight on the injured paw.