My dog stepped on a thumbtack. What should I put on the paw?

Aw, I bet that stings for sure! If the nails were pulled completely and cleanly, they aren't likely to become heavily infected. If there are remnants left behind, they rest needs to be dealt with by a veterinarian so they can grown back in properly. As for the chunk of tissue missing, this has a much higher likelihood for complications from infection. Since I can not see it, I can't say whether or not it needs to be assessed, closed, sutured, stapled etc. You may want to have someone take a look at it. If not, make sure to flush the area with some chlorhexidine solution, keep it clean as possible, make sure that Teddy can't lick the area (use an e-collar), and possibly apply topical antimicrobial ointment. Teddy would likely benefit from some pain medication and antibiotics, but a vet visit would definitely be required to obtain those. Hope this is helpful!

The best thing you can do first is flush the area with clean water for 5 minutes. You want the water pressure to be somewhat high and make sure it gets down into the bottom of the wound. Avoid soap and antiseptics, because these can actually cause more damage than good. It's best to keep the wound covered after you flush it. You can put some antibacterial cream (like neosporin) on the wound and bandage with rolled gauze. I've included a link to a video below that shows how to bandage. After you've placed the bandage, put a sock over the bandage and tape that on. This will help protect the bandage and keep Athena from pulling it off. Change the bandage daily and flush the wound for one minute with water at each bandage change. You'll know the wound is almost healed when there appears to be no more depth to the wound. If the wound starts to ooze pus, swells, turns very red or is not healing, then you'll need have a veterinarian take a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO5OCB5vGhg I hope that helps and Athena gets better soon.

Infection is the biggest concern with these wounds and it's best to have a vet evaluate it to make sure it doesn't need further treatment. It's definitely good to flush it with warm water. Dogs tend to hate their feet being touched and water being sprayed on them, so I understand it will be difficult to hold her still for this. This is usually a two-person job, so if you can have someone help you hold her, then this would be best. Below is a link to a good tutorial about how to restrain her properly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y6CfUKwlQE After flushing the wound, it's best to apply an antibacterial cream to the wound and bandage it. In order to keep the wound clean, it's best to flush the wound 1-2 times a day and gently wipe away any big crusts - make sure not to scrub the wound, because this can make it worse. Apply the antibacterial cream after each flushing. If the flushing is too difficult, the you can alternatively try doing a foot bath with epsom salts for 15 minutes once a day. If the wound starts to swell or have pus oozing from it, then I'd recommend she goes to the vet for treatment. Otherwise, the wound should heal fine over the next 2-3 weeks. I hope that helps and Boca gets better soon.

There is a rather deep wound near the joint, so my best recommendation is to have a vet examine him and help you with treatment. Without knowing the extent of the wound, it can be dangerous to treat this at home. The first thing you should do is flush the wound using a syringe or other dispensing device with clean water or sterile saline (better option) for five minutes. This may not be easy, so I recommend having someone help you with this. Below is a link to a demonstration of a wound flush that shows how to restrain him well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMpP4zpyrPs&t=102s Infection is the biggest concern with these wounds; so after flushing, it's best to apply an antibacterial cream to the wound. In order to keep the wound clean, it's best to flush the wound 1-2 times a day and gently wipe away any big crusts - make sure not to scrub the wound, because this can make it worse. Apply the antibacterial cream after each flushing. If the wounds starts to swell or have pus oozing from the wounds, then I'd recommend he go to the vet for treatment. Otherwise, the wound should heal over the next 2-3 weeks. I don't advise giving any more medication to Rebel unless prescribed by a vet. Certain medications like aspirin can be dangerous if given incorrectly. Below is a link to some information about aspirin. https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/aspirin/ I hope that helps and Rebel gets better soon.

It may need to be opened and flushed with sedation by your vet when you get there. In the mean time you can soak it in warm water and see if that helps with the swelling and discharge. If it opens up and drains, don't worry it will be a good thing. You can stop him from licking it also.

Poor Max! Apply cornstarch to the broken end. Be careful as broken nails can hurt and dogs may bite due to pain. Depending on how the nail is broken, Max may need to see his veterinarian today as these sometimes need to be removed. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Max! if you are referring the the "thumb" nail that is the dew claw. If they tear or break that nail, the treatment is to cut it back to the pink vein or quick. If the nail has already been torn off to the pink vein and there isn't any residual nail hanging off then bandaging it for 3-5 days should be enough. Sometimes we do prescribe oral antibiotics and pain medications. The nail will grow back, which is a slow process. If there is still nail hanging on then it should be cut back as that is a constant source of pain. I wish Max the best!