My dog's injured paw reopened from licking. Vet is busy. What to do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Timmy. I recommend that he does see his veterinarian again. He may have gotten the skin infected from all his licking. This may be why he keeps going back to it. In the meantime, keep an E-collar on him to prevent access to the paw and any further self trauma. I hope this information helps!

Ouch, that's a big enough tear it should be seen by your vet. At the very least they can clip back the hair, thoroughly clean it, and then provide you with pain medications and antibiotics for Ave so it doesn't get infected. Until you can get into your vet, it is best to keep the foot clean and dry and to NOT let him lick it. Licking will introduce bacteria that will cause further inflammation and potential infection. You can use an Elizabethan (cone) collar to keep him from doing so. I would also limit all activity to leashed walks only for potty breaks to prevent him from putting more weight on the injured pad which can lead to more pain.

Ouch! That does look like a bit of a sore spot. If you have an appointment already scheduled, I would just place an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Bentley to prevent him from continuing to lick the food as licking it can make the spot worse and introduce bacteria/cause an infection in an already inflamed wound. Keeping the sore spot clean and dry with the use of a washcloth is also a good idea until your appointment. If you do see any rapid changes in size, it starts oozing debris badly, or it is painful enough that Bentley can't walk on it, then trying to get in for an appointment sooner is best.

Ideally, he should be physically examined by a veterinarian. Antibiotics may be indicated. IN the meantime, place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent licking. Keep him separate from the other dog if possible. A small t-shirt may help prevent all licking if a cone or separation are not possible.

Poor Panda! Unfortunately the safest and most effective thing in this case is going to be the E-collar. Ask your vet for tips on sizing and securing it to Panda. In some cases, a little anti-anxiety medication or sedation for a day or two can really help him keep that cone on. If it is truly a small graze, it is likely to heal in the next couple days as long as he keeps away from it. I also recommend keeping him inside if at all possible for the next couple days.

If you can a) keep her from licking the wound, ie put an e-collar on her and b) keep her quiet in a crate, for example, then you can wait until your appointment tomorrow. If she cannot be kept quiet until then, you should take her to emergency for stapling, gluing or resuturing

In that location, it will be near impossible to keep him from licking. Keep the area as clean as possible and monitor for redness, swelling, discharge, lethargy or decreased appetite. These are symptoms of potential infection and should be addressed by your veterinarian. At this point, it may need to heal by "second intention".