Injured Paw Pad in Dogs – How to Help?

A cut paw in a dog is the worst nightmare for a pet owner – as such injuries usually happen in the summer. However, dogs are equally susceptible to various injuries in other seasons. Where does an injured paw pad come from, how does it look, and how to treat it? Let’s check!

How does an injured paw pad look?

Often, the only sign of an injured paw pad in a dog is the dog licking the painful spot. In such a case, it’s worth inspecting the area, as the cause could be a stuck grass seed or a piece of glass. A cut paw pad in a dog usually bleeds heavily, especially if it is deep and located on the pad, rather than between the toes. In comparison, a torn paw pad is much easier to notice – the skin may be hanging, and it is often accompanied by severe bleeding.

Cracked paw pads may not bleed at all, but they can feel rough and unpleasant to the touch. Just because they don’t bleed doesn’t mean they don’t hurt the dog. Usually, cracked or worn paw pads are the result of walking on hard, unfriendly terrain, such as rocks. They may also result from contact with hot surfaces like asphalt in summer. Sometimes, however, a poor state of the paw pads may be due to vitamin deficiencies, a weakened immune system, or even a skin infection (read more on our blog: Skin diseases in dogs).

What to do step by step for an injured paw pad?

If the paw pads are cracked, especially if it's a new injury, they need to be treated properly. If you notice that the wound is not very deep, you can clean it with an antiseptic solution, then apply a sterile gauze pad and bandage to prevent the dog from licking or dirtying the injury. Avoid using alcohol-based products, as they will cause unnecessary pain for the animal.

If the wound is deep, you can rinse it with saline solution, preferably under light pressure, to remove debris from the inside. Then, apply an antiseptic and secure the wound with a sterile dressing, and take your dog to the vet.

After such injuries, it’s always good to supplement with a product that strengthens immunity, especially one based on natural ingredients, like ImmuneControl. Any injury is a gateway for microorganisms to cause infections in the body. The product from Petipharm, containing probiotics and beta-glucans, will help protect against inflammations, while the addition of zinc will support cell regeneration and healthy skin.

When to visit a vet?

If the wound is very deep or the injury seems serious, for example, if the paw pad is clearly torn, it’s worth visiting the veterinarian. In some cases, you might not be able to clean the wound yourself. Sometimes stitches are necessary, and the dog may need injectable antibiotics.

After the vet visit, proper hygiene of the paw is essential. A dressing should be applied for the first few days, and then the wound should be left to breathe for natural healing. However, you need to remember to use protection, such as sterile gauze and a special boot with a hard sole, when walking the dog. It is also recommended to refrain from intense activity, and if stitches are used – significantly reduce movement until they are removed. Orthopedic collars are often used with stitches to prevent the dog from licking the wound. How long does it take for an injured paw pad to heal? With deep wounds, a dog typically returns to full mobility within four weeks.

If you notice cracked paw pads in your dog and the problem doesn’t improve with regular moisturizing, a vet visit is also recommended. The vet will take a sample to check what’s causing the condition, and then suggest the appropriate wound treatment for dogs. In the case of swelling paw pads, they should be closely monitored. If you notice that the dog is having difficulty breathing or the paw is swelling more and more, consult a specialist. This could be due to an insect bite, which would require anti-inflammatory medication if a generalized reaction occurs.

An injured paw pad in a dog can cause a lot of pain and develop into a serious infection. Never underestimate the problem – help your pet, and if necessary, take them to the vet.