My dog has a deep paw cut. What can I do until the vet opens?

If the bleeding stops when a bandage is applied then you are probably safe to wait and see your primary veterinarian tomorrow. However, please make sure the bandage is not applied too tight (easy to do), as we don’t want to restrict blood flow. Pads can be difficult when they are cut. Sometimes stitches don’t hold up as well as they do in normal skin. Your veterinarian will help you decide if stitches are needed or not. Best of luck and I hope Zuko improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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.

It may need to be opened and flushed with sedation by your vet when you get there. In the mean time you can soak it in warm water and see if that helps with the swelling and discharge. If it opens up and drains, don't worry it will be a good thing. You can stop him from licking it also.

If there is no active bleeding and he isn't extremely painful, then he can likely wait until later today. Waiting until tomorrow would not be recommended. Place an e-collar (cone) on Rufus to prevent licking. Crate him or restrict activity until he sees the vet. Do not give him anything for pain until you speak with your vet. Many OTC pain medications can be toxic to dogs.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lulu. Unfortunately, your question must have exceeded the text limit as it was cut off. I understand that she has a cut on her paw pad. She will need to see her veterinarian. It may require surgery to heal depending on the size of the wound. If not, bandaging and antibiotics could be needed. In the meantime, place an E-collar on her to prevent her from licking the wound. Keep the area clean and dry as well. I hope this information helps!

If it currently bleeding you can use some corn starch to help slow the bleeding. Also if you are able to place a light bandage on it to prevent him from licking it tonight that would be good. You can also use a cone collar which you can find at your local pet store if it is still open. I would take him to your vet first thing in the morning for an exam. He may need to have it cleaned, medicated and professionally wrapped. Your vet will also be able to provide antibiotics and pain meds if need. If it is profusely bleeding then I would take him to your local emergency clinic for attention tonight. I hope this helps!

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.