How to heal an open wound on a dog's paw?

If your dog’s wound is bleeding, you should attempt to stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound with an absorbent dressing, such as dry gauze, followed by a layer of bandage material or a clean, dry cloth. If possible, try to raise the affected area above the level of the heart to help reduce the flow of blood to the bleeding area. Do not apply ointments, creams, disinfectants, or any other chemicals to the wound, as they can interfere with healing. Your veterinarian will provide you with specific instructions, some general care guidelines include the following: Gently clean the wound and surrounding area to remove any debris. This will keep the wound edges clean, reduce the potential for re-infection, and allow new healthy tissue to develop. Administer all medications as prescribed. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or antibiotic cream to apply to the wound. Do not discontinue antibiotics for any reason, unless you have been instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Do not allow your dog to lick or chew the open wound. Warm tap water is recommended for cleaning most wounds. Warm saline may also be used. You can make saline by adding approximately one level teaspoon of salt or Epsom salt to two cups of water. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend using a dilute cleansing solution of chlorhexidine, a surgical soap, or an iodine solution to help remove debris.

If your dog hurts their foot pads, healthy foot pads are crucial, so injuries need prompt attention. A torn foot pad does not hold stitches well, so cuts and punctures take longer to heal. Walking on the injured foot often opens the wound and further delays healing. To heal an open wound on a dog's paw, clean the wound and look for debris or foreign objects such as glass or metal shards that may be lodged in the pad. Use mild antibacterial soap to disinfect the wound. Control bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean towel. Apply a bandage to contain the wound, using non-adherent gauze pads to cushion the bottom of the foot and absorb blood. Change the bandage daily and keep the bandage dry by taping a plastic bag over it when the dog walks on wet grass. If the wound continues to bleed or gapes open after three days, visit your veterinarian who can provide antibiotics and pain medication to promote faster healing.

If your pet has a wound on their paw, check them for other injuries, keep the wound clean and if necessary, have them assessed by a vet. Minor wounds can often be treated at home. If your pet has a small wound or graze, that is not bleeding heavily, gently run water over it for as long as your pet will tolerate to help to remove as much dirt and bacteria as possible. Use salt water or clean lukewarm tap water. You can make saltwater by adding one teaspoon of salt to a pint of cooled (previously boiled) water. Clean your dog’s wound two to three times daily with salt water. Don’t use anything else to clean the wound unless you have spoken to your vet - even veterinary antiseptics can slow down healing. All wounds, no matter how big or small should be monitored for signs of infection as they heal. Signs of infection include heat, itching, swelling, discharge and redness. Take your pet to the vet if you are concerned their wound is becoming infected, or if it hasn’t healed within a few days.