Dog paw pads torn after hike, can't walk. When should I see a vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks quite severe and painful. This is possibly getting infected and inflamed. I would suggest that instead you consider taking Maggie to a veterinarian who can look at the affected paws more carefully and proceed with therapy accordingly. They may start with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications for example. I hope they can help Maggie. Best of luck!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry to hear about Daisy. As long as the pads don't become infected, I would expect them to heal within 2-3 weeks. Ripped pads are very painful to dogs. If Daisy was not prescribed painkillers, please take her back to your local vets to get a course of anti-inflammatory medications. She may need stronger pain relief (for example opioids) if anti-inflammatory medications do not provide adequate pain control.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Alfie! If the scraps are superficial (first layer is scraped off) and it isn't a full thickness laceration then I would trim the flap hanging off (like a blister on our feet). Sometimes if the dog is painful it is best to see your vet for oral antibiotics and pain medications. I recommend soaking the feet in an Eposom salt bath twice daily and NOT walking them on hard surfaces (grass only) and keep walks short and to the point until the pads have healed. I wish Alfie the best!

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.

I’m sorry to hear that Ruxus is so uncomfortable. Insect stings, spider bites, concrete burn to the pads, and injury are all possible causes. If he is that uncomfortable then you may consider having him evaluated by an emergency veterinarian at least to improve his comfort for the night and avoid everyone not sleeping. Otherwise if he calms down or starts walking on it then you could re-evaluate. When dogs are painful their only protection is to bite- but if it is so unusual for him then that indicates how painful he is. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It depends on the location and severity of the cut as to how it would best be treated. Sometimes they can be closed, other times bandaging may be best. Ideally wounds should be addressed as quickly as possible to allow for optimal healing. Waiting another day may make closing the wound impossible if it's an option. Make sure that Moose cannot lick the wound, this may require an e-collar (lampshade cone of shame). If it is painful or continuing to bleed he should be seen tonight.

Hello. I am sorry that Rey has a cut. Foot pads are notoriously difficult to heal due to the constant motion and pressure. They often get infected so getting antibiotics on board might be a good idea. Also, keeping it bandaged when she is walking, and open to the air when she is resting is a good idea. You have to be VERY careful with bandages in dogs, as a bandage that is too tight can cause swelling and you can actually kill the leg and it can require amputation. Make sure any bandage is placed and attached just using attachment to the hair, and not by pressure around the leg. If you are unsure you should have this done by a vet clinic. An E-collar or cone to prevent licking/chewing of the wound as well as the bandage is a good idea as well, because she likely will lick/chew it when you aren't around, even if she isn't when you are present. Also, pain management and anti-inflammatories from your vet might be a good idea. Do not use any human products as they can cause kidney failure. I would recommend a visit to your vet for these aspects. Good luck with Rey.