The paws protect the dog's body by providing a protective cushion for the bones and joints. This section also functions as a foot seal. Because a dog's paws are constantly exposed and unprotected, their paws are prone to tearing or injury. Dogs that are injured on the tread will not stand still and allow the wound to heal quickly. However, he will continue to run and play as usual so that the wound can open again. The pressure on the feet when walking alone can cause the sores on the soles of the feet to get wet again. Since this part of the body is prone to infection, it is very important to treat a dog's hoof wound as soon as possible.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Diagnosing and Checking for Problems
Step 1. Watch for signs of limping, licking, or bleeding
If your dog suddenly doesn't want to put weight on one of his paws or keeps licking the same area, it's possible that his paw has been injured.
Step 2. Check the paws immediately when the dog seems agitated
Pay close attention to the entire tread area: between the toes, the top of the foot, and in the tread gap. Check for bleeding, abrasions or scratches, dust stuck in the soles of the feet, or broken nails hanging off. Dog nails can also crack, causing bleeding.
- Approach the dog carefully as he usually bites when he is in pain.
- Be gentle and speak in a soft voice.
Step 3. Decide if you need to see a doctor
You can treat blisters or sores on the soles of the feet if they are less than 1 cm in diameter. However, if the wound is deep, contact your veterinarian. You should also call your doctor if there is heavy bleeding or discharge.
Even if most vets don't suture minor cuts, they may prescribe antibiotics to help manage any possible infection
Step 4. Act immediately when you become aware of a potential problem
Injuries to the soles of the feet are very easily contaminated with bacteria so they need to be treated as soon as possible.
Method 2 of 4: Treating Wounds
Step 1. Clean the wound
Gently rinse the paws under warm running water, or fill a bucket with clean warm water and soak the dog's paws. Soaking the soles of the feet is useful for cleaning the dust that sticks. If necessary, you can use tweezers to remove the dust.
Step 2. Stop the bleeding
If your dog's paws continue to bleed after dusting and washing the wound, use a clean bandage or washcloth to apply pressure to the injured area until the bleeding stops. If you can't control the bleeding after 5 minutes of pressing it, seek veterinary help.
Lay the dog down and lift the injured paw to slow the bleeding
Step 3. Dilute the disinfectant
You will need to apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine (eg Betadine, Pyodine, and Wokadine) to kill bacteria around the wound. However, applying a harsh antiseptic directly can burn the dog's paws. Preferably, dissolve the antiseptic with water at a ratio of 1:10. The color of the water will be like tea water that is not concentrated.
Step 4. Apply the disinfectant
After the blood and dirt on the wound are cleaned, wipe the area with a cotton swab dipped in an antiseptic solution and let it dry.
Step 5. Cover the wound with an antibacterial ointment
You can use an ointment made for humans, such as bacitracin (eg Neosporin) or a product made especially for dogs (Vetericyn). Antibacterial ointment will help prevent infection and stay safe even if your dog licks it.
Step 6. Place the absorbent pad on the wound
The first layer on the wound must be sterilized and must not stick. The object must be large enough to cover the entire wound. Some good absorbent, non-stick brands of mats are Telfa and Medtronic. You can find this product in many pharmacies and shopping centers or even convenience stores.
Step 7. Cover the injured tread and protect it from other injuries
Gently wrap the absorbent pad and gaiter with a non-stick bandage specially designed for animals (such as Vertrap, Pet-Flex, or Pet Wrap brands). Let the front fingers out, then bandage the sole of the foot up to the ankle joint. The position of the nails on the tread will almost touch. If the hooves are separated or the dog's paws feel cold, you are tying the bandage too tightly. Remove the bandage and repeat the process.
- This method not only protects the wound from infection, but also provides additional cushioning for the foot pad.
- Make sure the pressure applied is safe for the dog; You should not cut off the blood circulation. The bandage should be tight enough to stick to your foot, but loose enough so you can slip two fingers through it. Tying the bandage too tightly can block blood flow to the sole of the foot and even cause organ death. Call your vet if you're concerned that you've tied the bandage too tightly.
Method 3 of 4: Supporting the Dog's Healing Process
Step 1. Change the bandage daily
Before the wound on the foot heals, you will need to change the dressing every day or more often if there is severe bleeding or seeping blood. Since dogs sweat from their paws, you should pay close attention to the bandage to make sure it stays dry and clean.
Step 2. Prevent your dog from licking or chewing on the bandage
The dog may try to lick or remove the gauze and bandage. This can delay the wound healing process. In addition, this habit can lead to infection. You can use an unpleasant flavoring, such as bitter apple spray, on the outside of the bandage to prevent your dog from licking or biting it.
If the unpleasant taste isn't strong enough, you may need to wear an E-collar, which is a funnel-shaped guard to restrict your dog's movement, for a few days
Step 3. Put on shoes when the dog is out
Even if your dog is injured, he still needs to get out for a walk or to relieve himself. To protect your dog's footprint and speed up the healing process, put on a dog shoe to protect the wound along with a bandage when he goes outside.
Step 4. Check the condition after a few days
If after three days of treatment the wound still bleeds or is still open, take your dog to the vet for further treatment.
Step 5. Treat the infection as soon as possible
Infected sites can cause long-term problems if not treated quickly. During the healing process, look for signs of swelling or a red rash on the soles of the feet that are early signs of infection. When changing the bandage, the appearance of an unpleasant odor and discharge can also be a sign of infection. Another sign of an infection is the dog's behavior that appears to be in extreme pain or refuses to walk. If these signs appear, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Method 4 of 4: Preventing Future Problems
Step 1. Check your dog's paws after playing outside
After outdoor activities, make sure there are no debris on the dog's paws that could cause cuts or tears. Remove gravel, grain, and other debris between your dog's paws that could cause irritation or blisters. You can clean it with tweezers. You can also prepare a bucket of water to rinse your dog's paws when he enters the house.
It's a good idea to be proactive when caring for a dog's paws. The sooner you find the problem, the sooner the wound will be treated
Step 2. Keep the yard clean
Not all injuries are avoidable, but you can do simple things to keep your pet healthy. Check the condition of the yard to make sure there are no broken glass, sharp gravel, or metal that could puncture the dog's paws. Preventing wounds is much easier than treating them.
Step 3. Pay attention to the weather conditions
Dog treads are very sensitive to extreme weather conditions. Hot asphalt can burn a dog's tread, while snow, ice, and salt can cause similar injuries. When it's really hot outside, take your dog for a walk in the morning or after sunset to prevent blisters or irritation of the dog's paws. Dog boots or foot wax can help protect his paws in cold or snowy weather.
Step 4. Moisturize the dog's paws to keep them in good condition
You can keep your dog's paws healthy by moisturizing them and preventing them from cracking or drying out. Make sure you use a dog-specific foot moisturizer as products for humans are not suitable for it. Your vet will definitely be able to recommend a product. You can also massage it with vitamin E.
Step 5. Prevent injuries from overuse of limbs
Just like human athletes, dogs need time to get used to new habits. If you take your dog for a hike or a run, regularly train your dog and paws with new activities to prevent chafing or chafing.
