Help! My dog has a weeping cut between his paws. What should I do?

This looks like a cut on the pad in the picture. You can soak Solomom's foot in warm water twice daily and gently cleanse it with some antibacterial soap. The warm water should be soothing and if you gently massage his foot while it's in the water you should be able to clean the area and feel if there is something in the foot. I wouldn't put anything on this as that will encourage licking. Foot injuries are painful. If the area gets more swollen and red, or he's not walking on it better in a day or so then I would bring him in for and exam. He may need antibiotics if the cut gets infected. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Solomon.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking.

The best thing you can do first is flush the area with clean water for 5 minutes. You want the water pressure to be somewhat high and make sure it gets down into the bottom of the wound. Avoid soap and antiseptics, because these can actually cause more damage than good. It's best to keep the wound covered after you flush it. You can put some antibacterial cream (like neosporin) on the wound and bandage with rolled gauze. I've included a link to a video below that shows how to bandage. After you've placed the bandage, put a sock over the bandage and tape that on. This will help protect the bandage and keep Athena from pulling it off. Change the bandage daily and flush the wound for one minute with water at each bandage change. You'll know the wound is almost healed when there appears to be no more depth to the wound. If the wound starts to ooze pus, swells, turns very red or is not healing, then you'll need have a veterinarian take a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO5OCB5vGhg I hope that helps and Athena gets better soon.

Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths twice daily for 5 days. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). If the wound does not heal in 5 days a check up would be required. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Poor baby. I would recommend getting him an ecollar cone to keep him from licking, cleaning the area with a moist washcloth, and applying a.teiple antibiotic. I would then give your veterinarian a call tomorrow for an appointment to be checked out. Good luck

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.

Ouch, poor Oakley! Gently wash his paw with warm water and antiseptic soap. Bandage it and put a sock over his foot to keep the bandage clean and dry. Change the bandage daily and keep an eye out for signs of infection. They include redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and pus. If you see any of those signs, take him into the vet for antibiotics. He's limping because he is in pain, so rest him for now. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on leash only, and bring him right back in when he's done. Please do not give him any human pain medication. Many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps!