How to Close a Cut on My Dog's Pad

The pads on your dog's paws are sensitive areas, featuring a large amount of blood vessels. Heavy bleeding can result from even a shallow cut in this location; however, a cut on the pad that is not deep, infected or caused by an embedded foreign object can often be treated at home. Careful examination of the area is required to determine the cause and severity of the cut. If it can be handled at home, diligent follow-up is required to help the cut heal.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
  • Soap or saline
  • Gauze
  • Antibiotic cream
  • Medical tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect your dog's paw visually and with your fingers. After looking at the pad, run your clean fingers gingerly around the paw and between the toes. This will reveal the extent of the damage and the presence of any foreign object. Look for signs of pain from your dog as you conduct the examination.

    • 2

      Clip away any fur that prevents access to the cut, being careful to avoid direct contact with the wound.

    • 3

      Remove any objects in the cut with a sterilized tweezer or your clean hands. If something is in too deep, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

    • 4

      Clean the cut with anti-bacterial soap or an equal mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. Saline solution can also be sprayed on the wound. Do not rub the wound when cleaning, as this can cause futher bleeding. Pat the paw dry.

    • 5

      Apply pressure with gauze to stop the bleeding. A clean towel or rag can be used in lieu of gauze. Holding the dog's affected foot up can also control the blood flow.

    • 6

      Cover a clean piece of gauze with a layer of antibiotic cream. Place the gauze over the cut and attach medical tape around it and up the dog's leg an inch or two.

    • 7

      Wrap more gauze or a cotton bandage around the dog's paw and several inches up the leg. Secure the wrap with more medical tape. This bandage helps keep the pad from spreading -- and reopening the wound -- whenever your dog takes a step.

    • 8

      Change the gauze and covering every day or two to keep the wound clean and infection-free. Dogs sweat through their paw pads and wet bandages can prevent healing and result in infections.