My rescued kitten has a raw paw. Should I cover it or let him lick?

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!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Judging from the photo, this looks quite mild so I would not be concerned about this. You can switch out her litter to something such as Yesterday's News so that it is not painful to walk on. I would also apply a topical ointment such as Sentry wound cream (can be found at Petco) and apply twice daily for 3-5 days. This should heal fine on its own. If you begin to notice swelling of the foot or pus coming from the area, then I would take her in to be seen by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Henny! I recommend using an Elizabethan collar (cone) or donut to prevent licking. Constantly licking will delay healing. She may need antibiotics but it's hard to know with out seeing a picture. You can try putting Mupirocin ointment on twice daily. Clean it with a wet warm cloth and a gentle soap twice daily. I hope this helps! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=20390

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Black can sometimes be associated with necrotic or dead tissue. I highly recommend that you have your veterinarian take a look at the wound to see if it requires further local therapy with debridement and cleaning. Also, they would be able to check if antibiotics should be used which is likely. In the meantime, you can consider using an e-collar which you can get at your local pet store to avoid her licking at it. Good luck!

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If one of Noushmc's paws seem to be wounded, I would recommend she see her veterinarian soon to take a closer look at the paw so it can be evaluated properly. If the underlying tissue is exposed, the paw can become infected and the litter can potentially be problematic if the wound is large enough. You can try using 3% hydrogen peroxide instead of the vinegar and water until you are able to get her seen by her veterinarian. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Winter Luna! accidents happen! Based on your picture I think she will be fine. I would just check it twice a day and clean it with warm water and mild soap, we wouldn't want liter to stick to the wound. It should heal quickly. If you notice yellow or white discharge, redness or swelling then she should see your Vet. I hope this helps and I wish Winter Luna the very best!