Bandage & Wound Care for a Canine Foot

As a dog owner, you should be prepared to handle basic first aid -- such as cuts or sprains -- until you can have your dog seen by the vet. There may be times, too, that you must change a bandage, such as on a slow-healing wound. In any case, the more knowledge you have, the better prepared you will be to deal with an animal's injury, regardless of whether you need to change a bandage or care for a fresh, life-threatening wound. Your awareness might be the difference between a worsening condition and a successful recovery.

  1. Emergencies

    • If your dog has a wound or cut on her foot, the most important thing to do is to stop the bleeding after restraining the dog on a leash. If the wound involves an artery or a major vein, act quickly: Apply pressure to the wound.

      Applying direct pressure on the wound is a fast, safe and effective way to control bleeding. You can place sterile gauze bandages or any strip of clean cloth over the wound. Press the gauze or cloth firmly on the wound for five to 10 minutes, then leave the bandage in place and secure it with tape. Make sure the bandage isn't so tight on the paw that it cuts off your dog's circulation. This procedure should give you enough time to get your dog to the vet.

    Wound Care

    • Cleaning a wound of dirt or bacteria is vital to prevent infection in your dog's foot. Begin by clipping the hair away from the wound to expose the area, then cleanse the wound with a sterile gauze or a cloth dipped in antibacterial wash. Irrigate the area with fresh, clean water and apply antibiotic ointment. If your dog's foot wound is or has been infected, you should change the dressing frequently. The ASPCA recommends home treatment only for wounds smaller than one-half inch; let your vet treat deeper wounds.

    Bandaging Technique

    • If your dog has a torn nail, a cut on her pad or a wound that is in an awkward place on the foot, apply a more structured foot dressing, according to author and dog expert David Taylor. Begin by drying your dog's paw thoroughly; adhesive tape will not stick to wet fur. Insert strips of cotton wool between the toes, and cover the pads of the foot with gauze squares. Hold this padding in place while you wrap the entire foot with cotton, then wrap with tape. Prevent slipping by incorporating some hair into the tape at the top of the bandage. Cover the dressing with a layer of adhesive wrap, followed by a sock, which you should tape at the ankle to keep it in place.

    Protecting the Bandage

    • While some dogs don't mind bandages, most will try to chew or pull a bandage from its paw. This can lead to more trauma to the wound or a delay healing. An E-collar is a useful device to keep a dog from removing the bandage. This is an "Elizabethan" collar, not an electronic one. It's a cone that fits around the neck and surrounds the face to prohibit the animal from reaching otherwise accessible parts of its body. You can find an E-collar at pet stores and veterinarians' offices, or you might be able to fashion one from a plastic bucket or flowerpot in a pinch.

    Prevention

    • To reduce injury to your dog's paws, keep your environment free of sharp-edged things, thorns, broken glass and other pointy objects. Watch the sidewalk or street when walking your dog. Reduce the risk of damaged pads and torn nails by restricting your dog's running to soft, grassy surfaces. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.