How to Treat Injuries to the Dog's Paws

When a dog's paw pads are injured, the first thing to do is to confirm if the injury is caused by a fracture. If so, timely medical treatment is necessary, including surgery or open treatment. If the wound is caused by trauma and the injury is not severe, the owner can handle it themselves. First, apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding, then clean the wound with saline and disinfect it with iodine. Once the wound is confirmed to be clean and no longer bleeding, dress it with absorbent cotton or sterile gauze.

During the healing process, the owner should feed the dog foods or supplements that promote wound recovery, such as chicken, pork, and nutritional supplements. They should also pay close attention to the dog's daily care and avoid letting the dog engage in vigorous activities or stay in damp environments.

If the dog's paw pads are injured, the owner should first determine the cause and severity of the injury. If the injury is caused by a fall from a high place and the dog has a fractured foot, take the dog to a pet hospital for X-rays to confirm the location of the fracture and choose the appropriate treatment plan.

If the dog has a dislocated bone, non-invasive treatment can be considered. However, if the bone is fractured, surgery is necessary. If the dog's pads are only injured by trauma and the bone is not damaged, or the bleeding is light, the owner can bandage the wound at home. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Clean the wound and disinfect it.

When the dog's paw is bleeding, the first step is to stop the bleeding. Press a sterile gauze against the wound until the bleeding subsides, then clean the wound with saline and disinfect it with iodine. Be gentle when handling the wound and avoid using alcohol directly on it, as it can be painful for the dog. If necessary, fit the dog with an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking and biting.

1. Bandage the wound

After stopping the bleeding and disinfecting the wound, bandage it securely. Be cautious not to tie the bandage too tight, as it can prevent blood circulation to the injured area, causing tissue death. However, if the bandage is too loose, it can easily fall off due to the dog's movement.

To ensure a proper bandage, cover the wound with medical absorbent cotton or sterile gauze, then wrap it with medical tape or gauze. The proper tightness should allow one finger to be inserted between the bandage and the wound. A well-bandaged wound can effectively prevent bacteria and dirt from entering, reducing the risk of infection and further complications.

1. Daily care and nutrition supplement

During the dog's recovery period, the owner should avoid excessive exercise, such as running, jumping, and frequent stair climbing, which can reopen the wound. Additionally, a damp environment is not conducive to wound healing, so owners should not let dogs stay in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and avoid giving the dog a bath before the wound heals.

During this time, feed the dog high-protein meat such as chicken, eggs, and pork, combined with vegetables like carrots and pumpkins. Cook the ingredients until they are soft and feed them to the dog. These foods are beneficial for the dog's wound recovery. Liquid foods such as bone broth or fish soup can also be fed to the dog, but be mindful of the quantity, avoid feeding them daily or in large amounts. If the owner lacks time and energy to prepare nutritional meals for the dog, they can purchase nutritional supplements or milk from a pet hospital to help the dog recover faster.