Why is my dog's paw pad split and has a hole between his toes?

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I am very sorry to hear about Simba. Some possible causes for these symptoms could include a wound to the foot such as stepping on a sharp object/thorn/splinter/etc that has punctured the skin or cut the skin; and injury to a toenail where a nail has been split or torn; or a musculoskeletal injury such as a ligmament sprain or a broken bone. I would recommend bringing Simba in for a vet to examine his foot to determine what is causing his symptoms which will help guide his treatment.

Hello! That looks like some type of puncture wound on Lobo’s foot. Often this is due to stepping on/running into something sharp. Sometimes it can be related to a grass awning (called a foxtail) working its way into the skin. It can also represent a fungal infection or the emergence of a fly larvae. Lesions like this should generally be examined by the veterinarian since further treatment and antibiotics may be needed. I recommend to get Lobo into the veterinarian within the next few days. In the meantime, protect the area from licking bye have having him where an Elizabethan collar at all times. You can wash the area gently with soap and water and rental. You can play Neil Sporn to the wrong area twice a day once the far is dry. In the meantime, protect the area from licking by having him wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. You can wash the area gently with soap and water and rinse well. You can apply neosporin to the raw area twice a day once the fur is dry. Keep the area clean and dry. Don’t let him play in the dirt or dry grass. Regular walks are fine but avoid dog parks in other areas like that. I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

Ouch! That looks pretty uncomfortable. I would take him in to see your vet for wound care and possibly antibiotics or a topical treatment to help him heal as quickly as possible. My may have gotten a sting or stepped on something sharp enough to puncture his pad and if he chews too aggressively, he'll make it worse.

This presentation could be due to a trauma/foreign body/body wound or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Poor Gizmo! That looks really sore. The lesion in the picture could be an abscess, a very large interdigital cyst or a tumor. I would recommend that you have Gizmo seen by your veterinarian. They may recommend a fine needle aspirate of the lesion to get a better idea of what is causing the swelling. Surgery may be required to lance and drain the abscess or remove a mass if present.

According to the photos it looks like a mild abrasion in the central pad that is healing. For now I would just monitor unless signs of infection (redness, pus, foul smell, pain) or if any lameness present then I would suggest to contact your vet.