How to Clean an Open Cut on a Dog's Paw

Dogs are curious animals, which will sometimes lead to injuries. An open wound from another dog bite or an accident on the dog's paw will make it difficult for the dog to walk and may lead to an infection if not treated properly. This process involves assessing the severity of the dog's wound, treating and bandaging the area properly. Seek the assistance of a veterinarian if you cannot control the bleeding or if the dog is in tremendous pain. Otherwise, you can treat the wound at home for a fraction of the cost of a potential vet bill.

Things You'll Need

  • Antibacterial soap
  • Sterile gauze
  • Alcohol swab
  • Scissors
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Medical tape
  • Duct tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and hot water to prevent wound contamination.

    • 2

      Fold a piece of sterilize gauze pad in half. Hold the gauze over the wound until the bleeding has ceased. Do not attempt to wipe away the blood or apply any medications to the wound until the blood has stopped oozing from the wound.

    • 3

      Wipe off a pair of scissors with an alcohol swab, then clip away the hair around the wound. Removing the hair will allow more access to the wound.

    • 4

      Create a mixture of one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water.

    • 5

      Soak a piece of sterile gauze into the mixture, and use it to clean the wound gently. Dab the mixture onto the wound instead of wiping it, which could cause the cut to reopen.

    • 6

      Cover a piece of sterile gauze pad with an antibacterial ointment. Cover the wound with gauze and ointment.

    • 7

      Secure the gauze to the dog's skin on all four sides with medical tape.

    • 8

      Wrap cotton gauze around the dog's foot, beginning at the bottom of the foot.

    • 9

      Continue to wrap the gauze around the dog's foot until you reach the mid-ankle. Secure the cotton gauze to itself with a piece of tape. Do not wrap the foot too tightly, which will cut off circulation to the area.

    • 10

      Cover the cotton gauze on the dog's foot and ankle with a piece of duct tape to help protect the gauze from any moisture with which the dog comes in contact.

    • 11

      Change the dog's dressing in the same manner every two days until the wound has healed.