What is what to do when your dog hurts his paw pad?

Okay, here's some information on what to do when your dog hurts their paw pad, formatted in Markdown with the requested links:

Dog Paw Pad Injuries: What To Do

A paw pad injury can be painful and limit your dog's mobility. Here's how to respond:

1. Assess the Situation:

   • Carefully examine the paw. Is it a small cut, a puncture, a burn, or a more serious tear? How deep is the wound? Is it bleeding profusely? Assess your dog's pain level. Be careful, as even the gentlest dog may bite when in pain. Muzzle if necessary.

2. Control the Bleeding:

   • Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean towel or gauze. Maintain firm, consistent pressure for several minutes (5-10) until the bleeding slows or stops.

3. Clean the Wound:

   • Once the bleeding is controlled (or if it's a minor scrape), gently clean the area with lukewarm water or a diluted antiseptic solution like chlorhexidine. Avoid using harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can damage tissue.

4. Remove Debris:

   • Carefully remove any debris (glass, thorns, etc.) from the wound. If something is deeply embedded, do not attempt to remove it yourself; seek veterinary care immediately.

5. Bandage the Paw:

   • Apply a non-stick sterile pad directly to the wound.
   • Wrap the paw with a layer of absorbent padding (like cast padding or cotton roll).
   • Secure the padding with a self-adhesive bandage, such as Vetrap. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly, which can cut off circulation. You should be able to slip two fingers between the bandage and the leg.
   • Cover the bandage with a waterproof layer if going outside to keep it clean and dry.

6. Limit Activity:

   • Restrict your dog's activity to prevent further injury. Keep them on a leash during walks and avoid running, jumping, and rough play.

7. Monitor for Infection:

   • Change the bandage daily, or more often if it becomes wet or soiled.
   • Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, foul odor, or increased pain.

8. When to See a Veterinarian:

   • Profuse bleeding: If you can't control the bleeding with direct pressure.
   • Deep wounds: Puncture wounds, large lacerations, or wounds that expose underlying tissue.
   • Severe pain: If your dog is in significant pain despite your efforts to comfort them.
   • Embedded objects: If you can't safely remove debris from the wound.
   • Signs of infection: Redness, swelling, pus, or foul odor.
   • Limping persists: If your dog continues to limp severely despite home care.
   • Burns: Paw pad burns require prompt veterinary attention.
   • Unsure: If you are unsure about the severity of the injury.

It's always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog's paw pad injury.

Here are the links related to the subject:

• Bleeding control: Bleeding control
• Infection signs: Infection signs
• Bandage: Bandage
• Veterinarian: Veterinarian
• Deep wounds: Deep wounds