My dog cut her paw, licked it. Is Neosporin and a bandage enough?

Hi there. Usually, unless there is active bleeding, I tend to leave wounds open and uncovered to heal. Bandages can trap moisture and cause the area to get infected, and can also cause tissue damage if they become too tight. If Maeby is licking excessively at her paw, you can use an e-collar (plastic cone) to keep her from getting to it until it's healed over. Neosporin is okay to use topically on the wound to help prevent infection. If it hasn't healed within the next 4-5 days, or if you see any redness or swelling developing around it, then I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam as she may need oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds to treat it more effectively.

I actually would not recommend putting anything topical on it if he can potentially lick it off. Neosporin is not particularly toxic if a small amount is ingested but it won't have a chance to work if your dog is licking. I'd recommend putting an e-collar on him to keep him from licking. If there is a raw spot or other skin lesion it would be a good idea to have your vet take a look - he might need oral medications for it to resolve. I doubt he would need anesthesia unless there is a skin growth that is there.

You can clean off thee wounds with a mild antiseptic and then bandage the paw. Make sure the bandage is not too tight and you have cotton wool inbetween the toes and pads so that they cotton wool can absorb moisture and sweat. You can put honey on the pad wounds which will help with healing. Change the bandage every other day. If you see infection or the pads do not heal you need to take your dog to a veterinarian. It will take a few weeks for new skin to form.

These type of injuries are often due to a puncture between the toes. Sometimes the thing that punctures the toes stays under the skin. This commonly happens with thorns and grass awns. In both cases, an infection develops under the skin and will not heal until the source of infection is removed. Lioh's injury does appear to be infected from what I can see in the photos and it will be best to take him to the vet for treatment. For now, you can try doing a twice daily foot bath with Epsom salts to help decrease the swelling and help treat the infection. Just make sure that he doesn't drink the Epsom salt water, or it will make him sick. I hope that helps and Lioh gets better soon.

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This wound is certainly very small and will most likely heal up on its own if you leave it alone and maintain it clean. I would not advise the use of neosporin or any other topical ointment as it is a bit deep and those are not indicated in internal tissue. I would just ensure that it remains clean and that he does not lick at it or traumatize it any other way. If it does not resolve, then have him evaluated. Good luck and have a good evening!

Paw pad injuries should heal pretty quickly if they are going to heal at home. You can use sharp scissors and remove that flap of skin (but don't cut super close to the edge of the paw). Most of the time, this flap of skin will be like a cuticle on your finger so it doesn't cause pain to remove it. If it seems painful, don't cut it. After 5 days, the tissue underneath the flap should be looking more like the exterior paw pad. It should be darkening in color and not looking raw. If this is occurring, that's a good sign and Hercules seems to be healing it on his own. You can stop bandaging it. Continue to antibiotics for a full 10 days or until the wound is fully healed. You must prevent all licking and he should wear an elizabethan collar at all times. You must also prevent all trauma so no walks, running or jumping until the paw is fully healed. The paw shoudl be completely healed within 10-14 days from the time of the cut. If the paw still looks raw, has any discharge, pain or swelling at this time, Hercules needs to be examined by the veterinarian as this is abnormal and not expected. If at any point the cut shows any of these symptoms, he should be examined. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.