How to wrap dogs paw

These pads are the thick, rubbery part of the dog’s feet that cushion every step and provide traction to prevent slipping. Foot pads protect bones and joints from the shock incurred by running and walking. They also insulate the foot from extreme weather (hot and cold) and aid navigation of uneven or rough terrain.

What happens if my dog hurts her foot pads?

Healthy foot pads are crucial so injuries need prompt attention. If your dog limps, or licks at her pads, take heed. She may have a foot pad that is torn, punctured, or burned.

A torn foot pad doesn’t hold stitches well so cuts and punctures take longer to heal. Walking on the injured foot often opens up the wound and further delays healing. And if infection sets in, the dog may end up with more than just foot problems. Since even minor foot pad injuries can be stubborn, it’s a good idea to provide first aid at home and then see your veterinarian promptly.

What do I do if my dog has a torn foot pad?

There are a few first aid basics to cover at home until you can see your veterinarian:

1. Clean the wound. Look for debris or foreign objects such as glass or metal shards that may be lodged in the pad. If the foreign object is located where you can easily grasp it with tweezers, gently remove it. Swishing the paw in cool water or spraying the paw with a hose may help dislodge tiny particles. If the debris is lodged deeply, leave it alone. Digging too deep will only worsen the injury and cause pain. Deep-seated foreign bodies need to be extracted by your veterinarian who can sedate your dog to make the procedure more comfortable. Use mild anti-bacterial soap or betadine to disinfect the wound.
2. To control bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean towel. Minor tears will stop bleeding in a matter of minutes, but deeper wounds take longer to stabilize. Also, bleeding may reoccur when the dog walks on the leg. If you cannot stop the bleeding within 10-15 minutes, this is an emergency – take your dog to the emergency veterinary clinic.
3. Contain the wound by applying a bandage. Use gauze pads to cushion the bottom of the foot and absorb blood. The gauze padding will also decrease the pain of walking on the foot. To keep gauze in place, wrap the entire foot in a self-sticking product such as Vetwrap. It is important to cover the paw from the toes up to and including the ankle (tarsus) or wrist (carpus). Covering the toes will prevent them from swelling, and covering the ankle or wrist joint will prevent the bandage from slipping off. Make sure the bandage is not too tight. You should be able to insert 2 fingers between the bandage and the leg.
4. Change the bandage daily. If your dog chews at the bandage, spray it with an anti-lick product such as bitter apple. Keep the bandage dry by taping a plastic bag over it when she walks on wet grass. Pay close attention during bandage changes. If the toes become swollen or dusky or if you note a foul odor or moist discharge, consult your veterinarian. These signs may indicate compromised circulation or infection that can result in permanent damage to the foot. If the wound continues to bleed or gapes open after 3 days, it’s time for a follow-up visit to your veterinarian who can provide high-powered antibiotics and pain medication that will promote faster healing.

What do I do if my dog has a burned foot pad?

In addition to cuts and punctures, dogs often injure their pads when exposed to extreme temperatures or chemicals. Even though foot pads are tough, they can burn on a scorching sidewalk in the middle of the summer or on icy surfaces during the winter. If your dog licks at her feet or limps after a summertime or wintertime stroll, sooth her pads by soaking the foot in room temperature water. If the pads become discolored or if the tissue under the pad becomes exposed, contact your veterinarian. Severe burns need to be treated professionally.

Burns can also be caused by chemicals. If your dog steps into a caustic substance, hold the foot under running water for several minutes. Then wash the paw in mild soap and rinse thoroughly. Make sure you wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.  What burns your dog may burn you, too.

Apply antibiotic ointment to the burned foot pad and bandage the paw. Daily bandage changes and close monitoring of the injury are important. Report any changes described under the section on torn foot pads to your veterinarian.

What can I do to prevent foot pad injuries?

To avoid foot injuries, survey the areas that your dog plays and walks. Remove glass shards, pieces of metal and other sharp objects. Avoid walks on hot sidewalks in the summer and protect your dog’s feet with boots during the winter. Remember, if you wouldn’t walk barefoot in a certain area, neither should your dog!

You probably don't give your dog's paws much thought, but you should! Dog paws are not immune to health problems. Issues with your pet's feet could lead to serious health problems. Knowing how to wrap a dog's paw will come in handy in the event of an injury.

Your dog's paw pads provide cushioning to reduce stress on their bones and joints, and protection against rough terrain. Did you know that the pads of the paw also provide insulation in extreme weather? Paw pads also help with balance and stability, and their rough texture provides traction.

You should be checking your dog's feet on a regular basis, particularly after walks. If you notice cuts or tears on your dog's paws, be sure to clean the wound properly and keep it covered. This will prevent infection.

After cleaning the wound, keep it covered for at least 2-3 days. Wounds on the paw are especially difficult to keep clean, because they are always touching the ground. It's important to keep them covered to prevent further injury and/or infection.

How to Wrap a Dog's Paw Properly

Supplies You'll Need

Cleaning the Wound

The first thing you'll need to do is clean the wound thoroughly. Flush the area with water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, flush the area with hydrogen peroxide.

You only need to use peroxide once. It kills all bacteria in the wound, even the “good” bacteria that is helping to heal the area. After you've flushed with peroxide the first time, use only water when cleaning the dog paw wound in the future.

Once the wound is clean, apply topical antibiotic ointment. If you're looking for a natural alternative, try rubbing coconut oil on the infected area. It has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

If you're worried that the wound may be mildly infected, check out our guide for treating an infected paw. If the paw is severely infected, you need to seek veterinary care immediately.

Signs of severe paw infection include:

• swelling
• limping
• puss/discharge
• crying or whimpering when putting weight on the paw
• not wanting to put weight on the paw
• foul smell

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide of First Aid for Dogs

Wrapping the Paw

Once you have cleaned the wound, you'll need to wrap the paw. First, you'll want to cover the area with a non-stick gauze pad. The pad will soak up any discharge or blood, so it won't leak through the wrapping.

A lot of pet owners use Ace Bandages to wrap their dog's feet. While this method definitely works, it's easy for a dog to remove this type of wrapping. It's best to use a self-adhesive bandage wrap.

Don't wrap the bandage too tightly; just tight enough to stay in place. You'll need to wrap the bandage a few inches higher than the wound to ensure that the affected area stays completely covered.

I like to secure the top of the bandage with medical tape, just to make sure my dog can't pull it off when I'm not watching. If you want to do this, make sure to get the tape that doesn't stick to hair.

READ NEXT: Dog Paw Protection – 5 Ways of Protecting Dog Paws in Winter

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