Injured Dog Paw Pads and Wounds

The pads on the bottom of your dog’s paws are thick and strong, but they can be injured. The first signs are usually limping and/or licking at a foot. Three common ways dogs injure their pads are:

• Lacerations
• Sores
• Wearing off the thick outer protective layer

Lacerations are when your dog’s pad is cut, such as by broken glass or sharp rocks. If the cut goes all the way through the tough pad and into the softer tissue beneath, it will be painful and likely bleed.

Sores can be caused by minor abrasions, a fungal or bacterial infection, or allergies. Often the first sign is your dog licking at the paw. If an infection is present, there may be an odor or drainage.

Wearing away the pad layer is when your dog “runs off” a pad. This is painful, and your dog may not want to let you touch the paw.

Raw Paw Pads

Prolonged running on a hard surface can separate the pad from the foot. Sometimes the dog’s paw pads are ripped off, leaving just raw tissue beneath, and other times they will only be partially torn with a flap.

Your dog’s paw pad will regrow, but this takes time. Most of these injuries can be managed at home, but if your dog has a deep cut in the pad that is bleeding, she should be seen by a veterinarian. The wound may need to be flushed, and she may need antibiotics to prevent infection. A study of military and pet dogs with paw lacerations found that short-term complications were found in 27% of the dogs.

If the wound isn’t severe, pull out your first-aid pack and begin treatment:

Clean the Wound

Gently flush the wound with water or an antiseptic, such as chlorhexidine. Gently remove debris, like rocks or glass carefully. Don’t use force out anything lodged deep into the foot.

Control Bleeding

Apply pressure with a clean towel to stop bleeding. Use an ice pack to encourage blood-vessel constriction. Deep wounds and punctures can bleed heavily. Uncontrolled bleeding is a veterinary emergency.

Protect the Wound

Many pad injuries benefit from a bandage and/or booties as protection while they heal. A bootie, like the Ruffwear Grip Tex or Canada Pooches Hot Pavement Boots, can help keep the paw protected and clean. (Whole Dog Journal rated both summer and winter boot choices.)

You can use a disposable paw bandage, like the PawFlex MediMitt, or make your own using a nonstick gauze or a Telfa pad secured with paper tape or Vetrap. (Don’t make the bandage too tight, which can restrict circulation! You should be able to slide two fingers under the bandage. If the bandage slips, wrap more tape around the top of the bandage.)

If your dog has burned off a small section of her paw pad, a liquid bandage like Nutri-Vet Liquid Bandage Spray can offer a layer of protection. Apply this with care, though, as it can sting.

Keep the wound and bandage dry to prevent infection. Most paw bandages need to be changed daily. If you’re using a commercial boot, clean and dry it before reapplying.

Allow It to Heal

An injured dog needs rest. Only walk the dog on leash, and limit running and jumping inside as well. Prevent chewing at the bandage, which may require the use of an Elizabethan collar).

Be patient while your dog heals. Even once the pad has sealed over, it can take months for the keratin (outer) layer to return to its normal strength. Use a bootie or other paw protection when going for long walks or running and call it a day if your dog appears sore. You can also apply our homemade salve (see sidebar) to help protect his pads from environmental hazards.