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My dog's paw pad is ripped, skin hanging, not bleeding. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | neutered | 2 years old | 100 lbs

My dog has a ripped paw pad on both of his front paws. It isn't bleeding but the skin is hanging off. What do I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on June 23rd, 2017

You can cut back the part that is hanging. They dont usually feel it. And as long as he isn't licking he paws and now limping then they should heal quickly. If he is licking, place a cone collar to prevent this. If you are unsure about cutting off the hanging part, ask your vet to help.

7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 23rd, 2019
Poor Buddy! I would have him seen by a vet for this problem first thing in the morning to get treated. This piece of paw pad may need to be removed or stitched back into place. Tonight, rest him. Keep him indoors if he's allowed outside. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 19th, 2018
The pad is damaged, in most cases pads are not sutured as stitches usually do not hold on them. instead it is recommended to bandage the pad and change the bandage every 2 days until it heals. if you are not sure regarding bandaging the leg, take him to the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 25th, 2019
Hello, thank you for your question about Ted.

Based on your description and the photo that you've attached I would recommend having Ted seen by a veterinarian. Depending on the severity of the cut Ted may need to have the wound repaired. If it is not deep the can still flush out the cut and provide you with an e-collar. If Ted continues to lick at the cut even if it is not deep or bleeding currently it could develop a secondary infection.

Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

My dog's paw has ripped skin, no bleeding. Should I see a vet?

According to the photos it looks like a mild abrasion in the central pad that is healing. For now I would just monitor unless signs of infection (redness, pus, foul smell, pain) or if any lameness present then I would suggest to contact your vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog tore his paw pad and won't stop licking it. Should I see a vet?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog tore his carpal pad with a flap. Should I cut it or bandage?

It's incredibly hard to tell as the photo is a little blurry. If the bleeding has stopped, you can clean the pad and trim away some of the fur to see how bad it is. If the wound is very large (more than half an inch or so) or is causing pain or difficulty walking, a trip to the vet is a good idea for pain meds, antibiotics, and a bandage (depending on the location of the pad) to help the area heal. If the wound is smaller, keeping the foot clean and dry (wrapping it when your pup goes outside to keep dirt and debris from getting in) and using an Elizabethan (e-collar) can help keep it from getting infected while it heals.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a paw pad cut, no blood, limping. What should I do now?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a paw gash. Does he need an emergency vet or can he wait?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog cut his paw 5 days ago. Does he need a vet or will it heal?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's paw pad is cut, red, raw, and limping. What home care?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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