How to Care for Your Dog's Injured Paw Pad

If your dog's paw pad has become lacerated or is bleeding, it's best to seek out the advice of a veterinarian. Bleeding or ripped pads can be a symptom of a much bigger issue, such as a yeast infection or a zinc deficiency. A disease called pemphigus manifests itself in bleeding paw pads. However, if you are sure your dog has only cut his paw pad and you are looking for ways to care for it, use these simple steps to help your dog recover his paw pad and bring it back to good health.

Things You'll Need

  • Warm water
  • Betadine
  • Antibiotic lotion
  • Bandages
  • Hydrogen peroxide

Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the paw pad for any foreign objects such as glass, thorns, burrs, splinters or any other substance that may have inflicted damage on the pad. It's best to have your dog lying on his side while you do this, or have someone restrain him so you can get a good look.

    • 2

      Rinse the injured paw in warm water. Allow the water to flow over the injury to flush out any debris and dirt that may still be in the wound.

    • 3

      Hold a paper towel or bandage on the wound to stop any bleeding. Continue to hold the paper towel in place until you are sure the bleeding has stopped.

    • 4

      Pat the pad until it is dry. Do not use a wiping motion, but rather a patting motion to dry the pad. Wiping may be painful for your dog.

    • 5

      Open a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and pour it over the pad. Hydrogen peroxide is so inexpensive because it is meant to be used in its entirety at one time. Therefore, use it as it was intended and allow it to flow over the pad. The bubbling action shows it is working and will further flush out any pathogens.

    • 6

      Repeat the drying process by patting the wound until it is dry.

    • 7

      Apply a topical antibiotic cream to the wound.

    • 8

      Wrap the affected paw with a soft gauze dressing, then with vet wrap or an ace bandage. Do not make it too tight or you will stop the circulation. Use medical tape if you do not have an ace bandage or gauze wrap.