Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Springer Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 5 years and 6 months old | 48 lbs

My dog has torn his paw pad. It isn’t bleeding and he isn’t limping and doesn’t seem in pain but it is badly torn and he’s licking it a lot. Is this something that I need to clean and leave to heal by itself or does he need treatment from the vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 27th, 2021

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on April 10th, 2020
Many vets are still open as essential services, so I would contact yours to see if that is the case or if they can point you to a clinic that is seeing emergencies/serious cases. It sounds like the paw may be injured (broken/ wounded/something stuck in it) that is causing Aura to lick it and keep from putting weight on it.

Until you can get to the vet, keeping the foot as clean and dry as possible, placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Aura to keep him from licking it and causing further irritation, and placing him on strict bed rest with leashed-only potty breaks can help reduce further injury or irritation to the foot.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog has a cut on his paw and won't stop licking it. What to do?

Poor baby. I would recommend getting him an ecollar cone to keep him from licking, cleaning the area with a moist washcloth, and applying a.teiple antibiotic. I would then give your veterinarian a call tomorrow for an appointment to be checked out. Good luck

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

How to treat a dog's paw cut and stop them from licking it?

An e-collar (cone) will go a long way in aiding in healing. Keep it on until the wound is completely healed. Limit activity to just leash walks for elimination. Avoid excessive running jumping or rough play. Vetericyn Plus spray (https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-for-dogs ) may also speed healing. You can find it in the local Petco.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Dog scraped paw pad, licking it. Should I bandage or see a vet?

Yes, I'd have Milo seen by a vet to make sure it's not infected since he has been licking at it. Put a cone on him until you can get him into a vet. You can make one at home, and I will put a link below on how to do this: http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has bleeding paw sores and won't walk. What to do until vet?

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.

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

My dog's limping with a torn paw pad. Does he need vet stitches?

Ouch, poor Koda! It looks like he injured his pad, and it could be that it's torn. I would say it definitely needs veterinary treatment, as it may need some stitches or surgical glue to help it heal correctly. In addition, it's clearly painful to him as he's limping. I would bandage it to keep it clean and dry, and take him into the vet tomorrow or Monday. You may need to put an Ecollar on him to keep him from licking at it. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home, and I will put a link below on how to make one at home. Good luck, I hope this helps! http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is licking his paw and has a sore spot. When should I see a vet?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share