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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Husky | Male | neutered | 65 lbs

My dog has been limping for a couple of days, today we noticed a large scab on the pad of his foot. We soaked his paw in warm water, and after we saw what appeared to be fat protruding out of the pad. Did he tear the pad, requiring stitches, or should we just apply neosporin and let it heal on its own?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 17th, 2018

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

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 11th, 2018
It is definitely safe to wait until tomorrow as long it's not bleeding profusely and Koda is not experiencing any other complications.

For now, you can wash/spray the area with just cool, clean water (no soap or other antiseptics) for at least 5 minutes at a time. Do this at least twice a day.
Bandage the wound with gauze and apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream (i.e Neosporin) to the wound.

Keeping it covered and keeping Koda from licking it will be the most difficult part of the treatment. You can help keep the bandage on by placing a good (really sticky) tape above and below the bandage. You can find sprays in the pet store, like bitter apple, that are meant to deter licking. This can be sprayed on the bandage (not the wound) to help keep Koda from chewing it off. Below is a link to a good demonstration on how to place a bandage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMpP4zpyrPs&t=49s

NOTE: Be careful not to bandage too tight or it can cut-off the circulation. If you notice that the toes/foot starts to swell, then remove the bandage and leave it off until the swelling goes down.

Another strategy to keep the bandage on, is taping a clean sock over the bandage.

I hope that helps and Koda gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 10th, 2017
Ouch, poor Koda! I would gently wash the areas with warm water and antiseptic soap. Examine the area, and if the cuts aren't too deep or long, gently bandage them and put a sock over the bandage to keep him from chewing at it. You will likely have to put an Ecollar on him to keep him from licking the area, and I will give you a link to a website on how to make one at home. Have him seen by a vet in the morning, as the excess skin may need to be trimmed under sedation.

If the cut is deep and/or long, Koda will need to see a vet immediately to have it sutured. In this case, take him into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see him now.

http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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