My dog's paw is bleeding after scraping it on blacktop. What to 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!

Place an e-collar (cone) on Pardi to prevent licking. Gently clean with a dilute chlorhexidine solution. You can apply a non stick pad and bandage lightly, but you will need to change the bandage when it becomes moist or dirty. There are no OC medications you can safely give for pain management. See your veterinarian as soon as you are able.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Black can sometimes be associated with necrotic or dead tissue. I highly recommend that you have your veterinarian take a look at the wound to see if it requires further local therapy with debridement and cleaning. Also, they would be able to check if antibiotics should be used which is likely. In the meantime, you can consider using an e-collar which you can get at your local pet store to avoid her licking at it. Good luck!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bentley. It is worth having him evaluated by his veterinarian to determine if his paws require treatment. If they are painful, this will make him not want you to put anything over them. He may need antibiotics and pain medications for them to heal. Otherwise, is there any place else you can take him to go potty? Could you carry him across the icy area to snowy or grassy place? You can buy protective hiking boots, but as with the socks I am not sure if he would wear them. You can go slowly and give treats while applying them. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Poor Bella! No it's not normal that her paws started bleeding, and if it's cold and snowy where you are, it could be the ice or the salt used to melt the ice that has caused her paws to bleed. It looks like the skin has come off on certain pads like a burn, and that is likely a bit painful for her. It's not an emergency, but I would recommend having her seen by a vet for it in the morning. Tonight, you can try washing the area with warm water and antiseptic soap, and bandaging the paws that the more effected. Put an Ecollar on her to keep her from licking at the paws. Tomorrow at the vet, they may want to put her on antibiotics if they feel her paws are burned. In the future, I recommend putting Musher's Secret to protect her paws before going outside (you can buy it online) or getting her booties to wear. I hope this helps! http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

Ouch, poor Oakley! Gently wash his paw with warm water and antiseptic soap. Bandage it and put a sock over his foot to keep the bandage clean and dry. Change the bandage daily and keep an eye out for signs of infection. They include redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and pus. If you see any of those signs, take him into the vet for antibiotics. He's limping because he is in pain, so rest him for now. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on leash only, and bring him right back in when he's done. Please do not give him any human pain medication. Many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!