What to Do If Your Dog Hurts Their Paw
A dog's paws are tough, but they’re not invincible. Whether your dog is sprinting across a rocky trail or simply walking down the street, their paws can be prone to injury.
From small cuts to more serious injuries like burns or fractures, it’s important to know how to handle the situation when your dog hurts their paw. This guide will walk you through common paw injuries, how to treat them at home, when to call the vet, and tips to help prevent future problems.
Common Paw Injuries and Their Causes
Dogs use their paws for everything, so it’s no surprise that they’re vulnerable to a range of injuries. Here are some of the most common issues:
Cuts and Scrapes: These are some of the most frequent paw injuries. Your dog can easily step on a sharp object like broken glass, a nail, or even a jagged rock, causing cuts or scrapes on their paw pads.
Burns: Hot pavement in the summer is a common culprit. Dogs’ paw pads are sensitive, and walking on surfaces like asphalt or sand on a hot day can cause painful burns.
Punctures: Thorns, splinters, or other small sharp objects can pierce a dog’s paw. Even small punctures can be painful and risk infection if left untreated.
Cracked or Dry Paw Pads: Some dogs are prone to dry, cracked paw pads, especially in cold weather or if they frequently walk on rough surfaces. This can be painful and lead to bleeding or discomfort.
Broken Nails: A dog’s nails can get caught on something and break or tear, which can be painful and may cause bleeding.
Foreign Objects: Pebbles, burrs, or even pieces of glass can become stuck between your dog’s paw pads or toes. If not removed, these objects can cause irritation or even infection.
Infections: Infections like bacterial or fungal conditions (such as yeast infections) can affect the paws, particularly if there’s a cut or irritation. You might notice your dog licking their paw excessively or that the area looks red and swollen.
Signs Your Dog May Have Hurt Their Paw
Sometimes, paw injuries are obvious—you might see blood, a limp, or your dog licking the affected area. Other times, the signs are more subtle. Here are some common indicators that your dog has hurt their paw:
Limping: If your dog is suddenly limping or avoiding putting weight on one of their paws, it’s a strong sign something is wrong.
Licking or Chewing the Paw: Dogs often lick or chew at an injured paw to try to relieve discomfort.
Swelling: Swelling in the paw or leg can indicate a more serious injury like a sprain or infection.
Bleeding: Visible cuts or abrasions that bleed are clear signs of injury.
Changes in Behavior: Dogs in pain may become more withdrawn, irritable, or protective of the injured paw.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take a closer look at your dog’s paw.
Immediate Steps to Take When Your Dog Hurts Their Paw
If you suspect your dog has injured their paw, here’s what you can do right away:
1. Inspect the Paw Carefully
First, gently examine your dog’s paw. You might need a flashlight to get a good look, especially if something is stuck between their toes. Be gentle, as your dog may be in pain and could react if you touch a sore spot. Look for:
Cuts, scrapes, or punctures
Swelling or redness
Foreign objects like glass, thorns, or pebbles
Broken or cracked nails
If your dog is too uncomfortable or resists examination, it’s best to contact a veterinarian for help.
2. Clean the Wound
If you find a cut or scrape, gently clean the area with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap. This will help remove any dirt or debris that could cause an infection. After cleaning, pat the area dry with a clean towel.
For puncture wounds, which are deeper and risk infection, it’s especially important to clean the area thoroughly. However, avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can damage healthy tissue and slow the healing process.
3. Stop the Bleeding
If the injury is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Most minor cuts will stop bleeding within a few minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or is heavy, you’ll need to contact your vet.
4. Remove Any Foreign Objects
If there’s a small object stuck in your dog’s paw, like a splinter or piece of glass, you can try to remove it with tweezers. Make sure the tweezers are clean and sanitized. If the object is deeply embedded or your dog is in a lot of pain, leave it for the vet to handle.
5. Bandage the Paw
Once the paw is clean and dry, you can apply a bandage to protect the wound. Make sure the bandage isn’t too tight, as it could cut off circulation. Change the bandage daily and monitor for signs of infection like swelling, redness, or a bad smell.
6. Keep Your Dog from Licking the Wound
Dogs tend to lick their wounds, but excessive licking can slow healing and introduce bacteria, leading to infections. If your dog won’t leave the injury alone, you might need to use an Elizabethan collar (the “cone of shame”) to prevent them from licking or biting the area.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Not all paw injuries require a trip to the vet, but some situations definitely do. Contact your vet if:
The injury is deep, and you can’t stop the bleeding.
Your dog is limping severely or refusing to put any weight on the paw.
There’s swelling, redness, or pus around the injury (signs of infection).
You can’t remove a foreign object, or it’s deeply embedded.
There’s a broken nail that’s bleeding heavily or seems to cause your dog a lot of pain.
The paw appears burned or blistered.
Your dog’s behavior changes dramatically—if they seem overly tired, irritable, or in distress, a more serious issue could be at play.
Treatment Options Your Vet Might Provide
If you need to take your dog to the vet, here are some common treatments they might suggest:
Stitches: For deep cuts or lacerations, stitches may be required to close the wound and prevent infection.
Antibiotics: If there’s any sign of infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to help your dog heal.
Pain Medication: For more serious injuries, like a sprain, fracture, or significant wound, your vet might provide pain medication to keep your dog comfortable.
Bandaging or Splinting: In some cases, your vet may professionally bandage the paw or apply a splint if there’s a fracture or sprain.
Paw Pad Ointments: Your vet may also recommend a specific ointment to soothe cracked or irritated paw pads.
Preventing Paw Injuries in the Future
While you can’t prevent every injury, there are steps you can take to protect your dog’s paws from common hazards:
Check the Ground: Before walking your dog, check the pavement temperature, especially in hot weather. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. In winter, be cautious of ice, snow, and road salt, which can cause irritation.
Trim Their Nails Regularly: Keeping your dog’s nails properly trimmed can help prevent breaks or tears.
Paw Balm: Use a moisturizing paw balm on your dog’s pads, especially in cold or dry weather. This helps prevent cracks and keeps their pads healthy.
Booties: Dog booties can be a great option if you walk your dog on rough terrain, hot surfaces, or in cold, icy conditions. They offer an extra layer of protection.
Regular Paw Inspections: Get into the habit of regularly checking your dog’s paws after walks. This helps catch minor issues before they turn into bigger problems.
A paw injury can be painful and distressing for your dog, but knowing how to handle it can make a big difference. Whether it’s a minor cut or a more serious injury, taking quick action will help ensure your dog heals properly. Don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you’re unsure or if the injury seems serious—better safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s health. And with a little care and attention, you can help prevent future paw injuries, keeping your dog happy, healthy, and ready for their next adventure.
