A dog's foot pads consist of the toughest skin on his body. Every day, the foot pads protect the dog from injury while absorbing shock to the dog's bones from basic activities such as walking, standing and running. Because canine foot pads take so much use, they can be prone to injury. Learning more about injuries to a dog's foot pads can help you make important care decisions for your pet.
-
Types
-
There are many types of injuries that can affect a dog's foot pads. The pad of skin can become abraded or cut, and it can also be punctured. It may be prone to blisters from pressure or abrasion, or it can become burned through contact with hot pavement. The pads can also become dry and prone to cracking.
Signs
-
There are many signs that may indicate that a dog is dealing with an injury on a foot pad. The dog may lip or hold his foot off the ground, and in the case of a laceration or abrasion, it may leave traces of blood on the floor. Aside from skin that is abraded or torn, an injured foot pad can also manifest in the form of discolored or mottled skin. A dog with a foot pad injury may also lick or chew its paw excessively.
Prevention/Solution
-
There are several things that you can do to prevent foot pad injuries on a dog. Keeping the home and yard clear of sharp objects can prevent lacerations and abrasions, and when you walk your dog, go out of your way to avoid broken glass and debris on the pavement. Avoid walking your dog on graveled areas for extended periods of time, and do not allow your dog to walk on hot pavement or road salt, which can irritate and dry out his paws.
Treatment
-
Mild lacerations and injuries can often be treated by thoroughly cleaning the wound and applying a light temporary bandage. An Elizabethan collar, or cone, can be placed on the dog's neck to prevent it from licking the wound, and the bandages will need to be changed every two to three days. Deeper cuts or wounds may need to be sutured by a veterinarian, then placed in a splint to keep your dog from putting too much pressure on the wound while it heals. If a foot pad injury is severe and the foot pad is torn off completely, a foot pad graft from another part of the foot may be necessary.
Considerations
-
While mild abrasions and cuts can be handled at home, foot pad injuries can be severe enough that a visit to the veterinarian is required. According to Dog Topics, you should contact your veterinarian if the wound does not appear to be healing, if the paw appears swollen or if you are uncertain as to the cause of the injury. You should also take your dog to the veterinarian if you are simply not comfortable treating the injury yourself.
-