Puppy cut paw pad: Can I treat it myself or does she need a vet?

Ouch! That does look pretty painful. If it's not healing with home care, I'd definitely bring Aspen into your vet. They can provide oral antibiotics and pain medications as needed, and can help deeply clean the wound to flush out any dirt or debris. Paw pads can sometimes be hard to stitch up, especially since it's on a walking surface, so keeping it as clean and dry as possible is best, however your vet can close the wound with wound glute or stitches as needed if it isn't healing, or is larger than a few centimeters in length.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It depends on the location and severity of the cut as to how it would best be treated. Sometimes they can be closed, other times bandaging may be best. Ideally wounds should be addressed as quickly as possible to allow for optimal healing. Waiting another day may make closing the wound impossible if it's an option. Make sure that Moose cannot lick the wound, this may require an e-collar (lampshade cone of shame). If it is painful or continuing to bleed he should be seen tonight.

Hello. I am sorry that Rey has a cut. Foot pads are notoriously difficult to heal due to the constant motion and pressure. They often get infected so getting antibiotics on board might be a good idea. Also, keeping it bandaged when she is walking, and open to the air when she is resting is a good idea. You have to be VERY careful with bandages in dogs, as a bandage that is too tight can cause swelling and you can actually kill the leg and it can require amputation. Make sure any bandage is placed and attached just using attachment to the hair, and not by pressure around the leg. If you are unsure you should have this done by a vet clinic. An E-collar or cone to prevent licking/chewing of the wound as well as the bandage is a good idea as well, because she likely will lick/chew it when you aren't around, even if she isn't when you are present. Also, pain management and anti-inflammatories from your vet might be a good idea. Do not use any human products as they can cause kidney failure. I would recommend a visit to your vet for these aspects. Good luck with Rey.

Poor Lobo! It looks like this cut is starting to heal, so I would keep an eye on it for now. Keep the area clean and dry, and if you see any signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and pus), then I would take him into the vet to have it treated. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Hello, Dogs with heartworm may cough with or without phlegm. The best way to test for heartworm is with a small blood sample. That cut on the paw pad is very deep. Ideally, I think she should see a vet for it now. Clean the wound with warm saline before applying the topical antibiotics and bandage. Do this twice daily until healed for the best possible results. If her foot gets swollen, starts having green discharge, or she stops being interested in food, it may be a sign of a serious infection that requires a vet visit and oral antibiotics. I hope that's helpful!

Charlie is adorable! Thank you for posting a picture of her. If the cut is not open or bleeding and is padded with a bandage, Charlie may not be painful. Many over the counter human pain medications are not safe for dogs and some interact with pain medications that your vet may give you, so I would not recommend giving her any over the counter medication until you talk to your vet. As far as the wound, it sounds like you have done everything right. The most important thing is keeping the cut protected which you have already done. Make sure that the bandage stays clean and dry. If any moisture gets under the bag and the bandage gets wet, then it needs to come off right away because it will actually make the cut more likely to get infected. If the cut is starting to heal, I will often change to a dog bootie or shoe to prevent problems with bandages getting wet. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Leeloo and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. I think you are doing a great job, and I don't see a need to take her to the vet. I'd put a cone on her and monitor the area for signs of infection which include redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and pus. If you do see signs of infection, I'd take her into the vet. I hope this helps!