My cat keeps licking his paw after surgery. How to stop irritation?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to know exactly what is needed without an examination though this does sound severe enough that it warrants an evaluation by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check if further surgery is needed or possibly treat for a likely infection and most importantly start Selina on medications for pain as this is likely painful. In the meantime, you may use an e-collar to prevent licking. Good luck and have a great day!

I suggest you try this wound spray and keep the foot covered with a sock. If it doesn't heal (which it should easily if it is just a wound) you will need to take her back to the vet. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-cat-wound-and-skin-hydrogel ) ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/good2go-pink-gripper-dog-socks ) If she is licking it or won't keep the sock on then she should wear an E-collar (cone) until healed. Hope this helps.!

It may be a contact allergy to something in the environment. I suggest you put an E-collar on him to stop the licking and apply this spray to the affected area. If after a week it is not better then take him to your vet for an exam. ( https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Cute-Comfy-Cone-Water-Resistant/dp/B01M9I7NGK/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=cat+soft+e+collar&qid=1580747169&sr=8-2 ) ( https://www.amazon.com/Vetericyn-Plus-Feline-Wound-Skin/dp/B01M28PQLR/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=vetericyn+cat&qid=1580747200&sr=8-8 )

Hello, you can purchase a small ecollar for a kitten and cut it down to the appropriate size. If that isn’t an option, then a sock worn as a body suit with holes cut for back end and legs is a good alternative (or baby onesie) though I’m not sure if it would effectively cover the area you’re trying to keep him from accessing. If it’s the feet and lower legs, then kids socks put over the feet and secured at the top with medical grade tape may work. You just need to be careful about how tight the tape is (need to be very careful to not impact blood flow) and pay attention to hair loss or skin irritation. Change any clothing or sock covering every day to inspect the underlying areas, and follow up with your vet as they directed. I hope this helps!

An e-collar (cone) will go a long way in aiding in healing. Keep it on until the wound is completely healed. Limit activity to just leash walks for elimination. Avoid excessive running jumping or rough play. Vetericyn Plus spray (https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-for-dogs ) may also speed healing. You can find it in the local Petco.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The first thing you need to do, is to stop Milo from licking the wound. Head collar will be best. Then you should clean the wound with warm, boiled water 2-3 times a day. However, if the would is swollen and thickened (it does look a bit like that on the photos), your Milo may need to be seen at your local vets to get a course of antibiotics. It is hard to say what happened, it could have been a piece of glass, barbed wire, metal sheet that cut the skin.

Hello, my name is Dr. Elizabeth and I am happy to help. I hate to hear this lesion on Patch is not healing. I think the main thing to address is the licking. The first thing you need to do is stop the licking (since this can make it worse). Patches should wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Remember that the collar must come out past her nose in order to be effective. Next, wear gloves to handle the lesion and be sure to wash your hands afterwards. Get pet wipes that contain Chlorhexidine. Cleanse the area twice a day. This will help to control the number of topical pathogens as well as remove oil and dead skin cells. Lastly, after the area is completely dry, apply a topical antibiotic twice a day. Just a dab will do and rub it in well. Neosporin is fine to use. Again, wear gloves or apply with a q-tip. Patches needs to be indoors at all times. Cats can't wear elizabethan collars outside as they are a choking hazard if they were to get hung up. She can only wear the collar if she is in a safe environment. If the spot is not much better in 1 week, if it gets worse at any point or if the lesion is not completely healed within 2 weeks, Patches needs to be examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.