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My dog's paws are bleeding after playing outside. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 5 months old | 45 lbs

Hello. My account says my dog is male but she is female. She spent the weekend playing outside with another dog and her paws started bleeding. I attached pics. Is this normal or should she be seen by a vet immediately?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 4th, 2018

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!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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