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My dog stepped on glass and is chewing his paw. Does he need a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 85 lbs

My dog may have stepped on glass, he started chewing his back right paw pad.. It looks bad, I have a picture.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on October 9th, 2017

Hi and thanks for your post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I am sorry to hear Dog has stepped on glass. That can certainly cause paw pad lacerations. From the picture, it looks like he has been licking at it.

My best advice is to take Dog to his veterinarian so the paw can be examined, smaller less obvious pieces of glass can be removed if still embedded in the paw pad, and bandaged properly. Dog may need to be on antibiotics as well as wear a cone for a few days until his paw pad has healed up.

Best of luck!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 27th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can try to use a clean cloth soaked in water to get any superficial dirt or debris out of the wound. I definitely recommend that you then have him evaluated by a veterinarian so that the wound can be looked at closely to see if it needs further wound cleaning and perhaps stitches. This will depend on further examination. Your veterinarian may also prescribe antibiotics and pain control medications. Good luck!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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