My dog came home from boarding with a foot injury. Is it an emergency?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It depends on the location and severity of the cut as to how it would best be treated. Sometimes they can be closed, other times bandaging may be best. Ideally wounds should be addressed as quickly as possible to allow for optimal healing. Waiting another day may make closing the wound impossible if it's an option. Make sure that Moose cannot lick the wound, this may require an e-collar (lampshade cone of shame). If it is painful or continuing to bleed he should be seen tonight.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Poor Skye. Its hard to make the area out on the photo, but I don't think you need to rush to an emergency hospital. I'd call your vet and set up an appointment when you are able to get her in. They can shave and clean the area and dispense antibiotics, topical medications and pain meds. Good luck!

Poor Boomer! If it's not visibly swollen, I would give him a little bit of rest/limited activity to see if it improves the foot. However, if it is swelling, doesn't improve with kennel rest, or is painful/causing him to yelp or limp badly, then it is best seen by your vet as soon as possible. Until you can be seen by your vet, continued kennel rest (leashed walks only, limited time on foot, etc) can help reduce further injury and discomfort.

Hi and thanks for your post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear Dog has stepped on glass. That can certainly cause paw pad lacerations. From the picture, it looks like he has been licking at it. My best advice is to take Dog to his veterinarian so the paw can be examined, smaller less obvious pieces of glass can be removed if still embedded in the paw pad, and bandaged properly. Dog may need to be on antibiotics as well as wear a cone for a few days until his paw pad has healed up. Best of luck!

Hello. Did the sitter ever notice the dog scratching? This could be an actual injury, or he could have scratched a wound because of an allergic reaction to something in the house, or possibly even from stress. This looks significant enough that I would recommend an evaluation by your veterinarian in case additional treatment or antibiotics are needed. I hope all is well soon & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. If the area is not bleeding, then I would not recommend spending the extra money to have her seen on emergency. Just make sure your bandage is not too tight & just have her seen at your earliest convenience. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This sounds serious and warrants a veterinary evaluation as soon as possible. There is usually even more trauma than what you can appreciate in cases of dog fights. There may be cuts that need suturing, wounds that need antibiotics and the need for pain control medications as it sounds like he is very sore. I highly recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to evaluate him to look at the extent of his injuries so therapy can be recommended accordingly. Good luck and have a good night!