How To Treat Wounds On Dog And Cat Pads?

The paw pads of dogs and cats are prone to suffering wounds that are difficult to heal, as they are always in contact with the ground. Therefore, we must pay special attention to the places where our pets step. If they are injured, we can treat them or at least provide first aid.

Pads, a risky area on your pet’s body

The city streets, the park, the countryside or the beach, in addition to being the setting for walks and games with your furry friend, can be the place where your pet can hurt the pillows, if he steps on, for example , in:

• glasses
• Pebbles that can easily sink into the soles of your feet
• Waste

That’s why it ‘s important that you check your pet’s paws so that, if there is any wound, it can heal quickly.

Also, consider that your home can also be a source of danger for your pet, especially if there are sharp objects or broken glass that are not picked up. And even extreme temperatures can harm your dog’s or cat’s pads.

Cases where you can treat wounds on the pads yourself

Depending on the seriousness of the wound that the animal has on its pads, you will have to decide if you can treat it yourself or if you should take it to the veterinarian as a matter of urgency.

If there is a lot of blood coming out of the wound or if you notice that you have something deeply embedded, it is best to seek professional help immediately. But if the wound is superficial, you can treat it yourself.

In any case, observe how the condition evolves and, at the slightest sign that it may be getting worse, go to a specialist.

How you should go about treating the wounds on your cat’s or dog’s pads

The first thing you will have to do to heal a wound on your pet’s pads is to disinfect it. Use gauze soaked in some antiseptic solution, preferably for veterinary use. Chlorhexidine may be a good option.

Remember that animals have a very different pH than people and, therefore, if you use any product for humans in it, it may cause greater damage to the existing wound.

For that reason, it ‘s always good to have a first-aid kit for your pet, equipped with veterinary advice, with everything you need to rescue your furry friend in a medical emergency.

To bandage or not to bandage, that’s the question

After disinfection, although the ideal would be for the animal’s wound to heal without being covered, put some type of bandage so that the paw is not exposed to infection by contact with dirt, from different surfaces that your dog steps on, it can be a good decision.

Also, we already know that the first thing the animal will do is bite the affected area. So, if he insists on it, possibly the best thing to do is to put an Elizabethan necklace on him, at least at first.

So, it is convenient to cover the wound with two or three layers of rolled gauze. Don’t tighten the bandage too much, because if you slow down the blood circulation, it will delay the healing process.

Attention to the evolution of wounds in the pads

If all goes well, clean the wound and change the bandage daily until the wound is fully healed. In the meantime, don’t let your cat go around and let your dog go out just to do his own thing.

The ideal is that when the furry goes out, you cover his injured paw with some kind of plastic bag or put some shoes specially designed for your pet, which, as you can imagine, can be bought in specialized stores in the branch.

And, once again, remember that at the slightest indication that the injury has worsened, go to the veterinarian urgently.