One of the most common veterinary care issues that arise with dogs is a sore or cut on a pup's paw pad. A dog’s paw pads are thick, rubbery, and rough-skinned and offer protection against temperature fluctuations and penetration. However, they often take longer to heal and require different treatment than wounds found on other locations of a dog's body. Below are some tips to help you care for a paw pad laceration should one occur. 

3 Veterinary Care Tips for Lacerations on a Dog's Paw Pad

1. Wash the Paw

During walks, dogs may not be careful about what they step in, so your pup's paw is likely covered in dirt, grime, road tar, and myriad other types of debris that could contaminate the wound. After a cut or puncture wound occurs, wash the paw thoroughly in warm water with antibacterial soap. Scrub gently with a cloth, sponge, or your fingers to remove any caked-on dirt. This not only helps prevent infection from occurring, but it makes the wound more visible so you can treat it properly.

2. Inspect the Wound

Next, inspect the paw to make sure nothing is stuck inside the wound. Your pet might be limping around with a thorn, pricker, sharp rock, or piece of glass lodged in their paw pad. This must come out if the wound is to heal properly without infection. Inspect the paw carefully under strong light. Look inside the cut and remove any obstacles carefully with a pair of tweezers. If the object is too large to remove by yourself safely, contact your veterinarian immediately.  

3. Disinfect & Bandage

Once the wound is cleaned, and any slivers have been removed, apply an equal-part solution of water and hydrogen peroxide to sterilize the area. If the cut is sizable, protect your dog's paw until it can heal. Apply a non-stick gauze pad over the wound and gently wrap with bandage or tape. Dogs tend to pick at such bandages, so you may need to attach a protective head cone to prevent this. The cut should start healing within a day or two and should be healed enough to remove the tape and gauze within a week.

If your dog or cat needs reliable, compassionate veterinary care, contact the Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia, the premier pet clinic in Columbia, MD. They have served the Greater Baltimore region for more than 30 years. In addition to pet vaccines and spay and neutering procedures, they also offer dog and cat boarding and pet adoptions. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (410) 995-6880 to speak to a representative.