How to Get a Dog to Leave a Bandaged Paw Alone

One of the hardest things for your dog to do is leave a bandaged paw alone. According to Michael S. Garvey and Anne E. Hohenhaus, authors of "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms," bandages and casts must be kept clean and dry for proper healing, and an owner must prevent the dog from licking them. Luckily, you can use several tricks to keep your dog from damaging its bandages and to prevent serious infections.

Things You'll Need

  • Elizabethan collar
  • Leash
  • Stocking bandage
  • No-lick spray
  • Muzzle
  • Bandage tape
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Instructions

    • 1
      Praise your dog when it is wearing the collar.

      Secure an Elizabethan collar around your dog's neck so the dog will leave the paw alone. The collar can be used for most of the day and during walks, but it needs to be taken off for eating and drinking. Dogs should wear the collar at night too.

    • 2

      Say "no" firmly every time your dog plays with or licks the bandaged paw. Let your dog know this is unacceptable behavior, and watch constantly. Play games with your dog -- throw its favorite ball or create a tug-of-war game. This distracts and helps your dog forget about the bandage.

    • 3
      Walking your dog keeps its mind off a bandage.

      Take your dog on long walks, using a leash, to tire it out. Keep the leash short so the dog cannot reach the bandage. If the paw is seriously injured, though, discuss walking with your veterinarian.

    • 4

      Place a stocking bandage over the medical bandage. The stocking bandage keeps the interior bandage clean and dry, but your dog may chew it off. If this happens, replace it.

    • 5

      Spray a no-lick liquid on the stocking bandage. Check with your doctor to be sure this is safe. The bad taste of these sprays discourages licking.

    • 6

      Muzzle your dog and praise your dog for wearing the muzzle. Tape bandage tape around the muzzle if necessary.