Torn Paw Pad

[TXRedbo]

After a morning of running like crazy in the yard, I noticed that Redbo's front paw pad is torn .

 

 

What do we need to do to ensure it heals and doesn't get infected?

[PrairieProf]

That's not bad. Just keep it clean. It will heal in a few days.

[NeylasMom]

Just trim off the flap that's hanging off (it doesn't hurt the dog) and then clean and probably for his comfort wrap it with some padding until it heals a bit. Sadly we have had to deal with these way too often. Skye tears hers when she runs at the dog training facility where I work.

[JenniferS]

Razzy just did this recently too. Cover it with a baby sock or bootie for going outside to keep it clean, otherwise let it air and even let her lick it, it will heal eventually.

[TXRedbo]

Thanks everyone! We cleaned it and put an awesome (Spiderman) baby booty on him when it was walkies times. The paw pad doesn't seem to bother him at all; the booty, on the other hand, drives him bonkers.

[PrairieProf]

If he's not sore walking with the paw exposed, you don't have to use a bootie. The torn part may not really hit the ground much.

[cleptogrey]

welcome to the club. if you clean it once and then leave it alone your pup will most likely keep it clean- licking and then trim it himself. that's what my dogs do. if my dog does not have blood profusely squirting out of a cut or wound then i generally leave it alone. you will know by the trail of blood if it needs either a bandage or stitches. my dog are always ripping off their stop pads, slicing their paws or doing something when they run. you will get used to it.

[TXRedbo]

I'm getting that feeling, cleptogrey! I feel better knowing this is something relatively common. Such special special houndies .

[XTRAWLD]

For quicker healing, try soaking it twice a day (if he'll let you) with a warm water and Epsom salt mix. A big yogurt container or Tupperware will do. This helps keep it clean and easier to fend off infection.

[Guest xengab]

Mine did this just this morning running like a lunatic in the yard. It was washed and left uncovered. Keeping the dog door blocked with supervised potty breaks because he will run around and most likely get muddy paws (rained lastnight..) Another greyhound owner presented me with his first pair of boo boo socks..LOL Will use those while he is out potty to stop mud.

 

Walks or no? Im worried it will break open as he praces around while walking.

[TXRedbo]

I'm walking him (but no running for now). For the first couple of days while it looked reddish and raw, I walked him with a baby sock on. Now it's healing over, so I walk him without it.

[XTRAWLD]

I don't think it's necessary to limit the walks, perhaps crazy activity until it heals up a bit better. I know Kasey's opened up several times before it stayed shut enough to heal up well. I never covered it, and did monitor him so he wouldn't lick it to death. I have also put polysporin on it too when we went to bed so it would help heal faster. Just keep it clean, I can't emphasize this enough! Feet get so dirty so easily and if they are like Ryder at all, he LOVES peeing on his legs....so yes....KEEP IT CLEAN!