My dog has a cracked paw pad and is limping. What should I do?

Hello, and thanks for your question. It's difficult to tell in the picture where the injury is. I'm possibly seeing a small area with minor irritation on the edge of the metacarpal pad (the larger pad behind the toe pads), almost like a rug-burn type injury... If that's the case, it will be a bit sore until the tissue starts to heal, but there isn't much to do other than monitor for infection and protect it from further injury. You can apply a topical ointment such as neosporin, and sometimes they're more comfortable if you apply a sock or bootie when Blitz goes outside. Avoid long walks and running off leash for a week or so, especially on abrasive surfaces such as concrete or gravel. Monitor for redness, swelling, or discharge that might indicate infection. If you see any of these, or if Blitz seems uncomfortable enough to need pain medication, then it's best to bring her in to the vet. Of course, if there's further injury besides the suspected "rugburn" or scrape I described above, don't hesitate to question again with a description of the injury you're seeing, and maybe a close-up with an arrow to the injury in question... Hope this helps!

You can clean it daily with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution and dry it thoroughly afterwards. Anything you apply will likely be lucked off unless you use an e-collar. It may have been abraded on rough surfaces inside or outside his enclosure. Since he is limping, he is likely painful and should be seen by your veterinarian. Pain medication can be administered or dispensed if indicated. If possible, the paw should be protected until it heals. This may require a bandage/bootie, coming indoors, an e-collar (cone) or a combination of the three. Your veterinarian can determine the best course of treatment after an exam.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It is difficult to make out exactly what this is based on the pictures, but it appears to be an ulcerated sore that has opened up on the paw pad. I would recommend having this looked at by your veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. This sore could be a mass or an infected wound. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

I would recommend going to Petco or Petsmart and get a bootie for Bradley. This will help him so he doesn't lick at it and keeps it clean. If you can call tomorrow and see if they can fit you in that would be better then Sunday. The biggest thing is keeping the pad clean and making sure that Bradley doesn't lick at his foot. With the photos the cut doesn't look too deep but your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatories (for pain) to Bradley to make him more comfortable. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

That does look like it would cause Kaya some discomfort, but it doesn't appear to be infected. I would have her seen by a vet for this, as a cracked pad can be a sign of a medical illness such as a liver problem, allergy, endocrine problem, or an autoimmune problem. It could also be due to an injury, but it would be good to rule out another medical cause. The vet can diagnose if there is any medical cause behind it and how to treat it. I would have Kaya seen by a vet on Monday.

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This could just be an allergic condition, but looking at the spotty nature of the pads, I would also be concerned that this might be an auto-immune condition called pemphigus, where the lesions are often first noticed on the footpads. Since this has been ongoing for several months, & now she is showing signs of pain, it is time to have your veterinarian evaluate the pads for what is going on. Hope all is well. Take care.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bruno! Possible causes of Bruno's limp are: strain or a sprain from being stepped on, if he is older it could have aggravated arthritis, a toe or a bone could be broken, or it could be something unrelated like Lyme disease. Since Bruno can hardly walk on the leg that indicates pain. I recommend having Bruno seen by your Vet for an exam. If there is concern for the paw then they may want to take X-rays, otherwise they may just prescribe anti-inflammatories and rest. I hope this helps and I wish Bruno a speedy recovery!