Caring for a Cut on Paw: Dog Owner Tips

Dogs' pads are tough and rubbery, but that doesn't mean they're invincible. Dogs are vulnerable to getting cuts on their paw pads, and knowing what to do with a dog's cut paw pad is an essential piece of dog owner knowledge.

This simple overview will give you actionable knowledge on assessing the wound, soothing your dog's injured paw pad at home, and understanding when to seek veterinary care.

• We'll start by addressing severe cuts and wounds
• Home care for milder cuts is discussed below 

How to Assess and Prepare Your Dog for Emergency Veterinary Care After a Severe Paw Cut

If your dog has a severe paw cut with ongoing bleeding, a deeply lodged object, or other complications, it’s crucial to act quickly and calmly. Here’s how to assess the situation and prepare your dog for safe transport to the vet:

1. Assess the Severity of the Injury

• Severe Bleeding: If bleeding is heavy and doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 5 minutes, it’s an emergency.

• Foreign Objects: If something is deeply embedded in the paw (like glass, nails, or metal), avoid pulling it out, as this can cause further injury.

• Paw Appearance: Look for signs of deep wounds, tissue damage, or infection (swelling, redness, or pus).

• Pain and Behavior: If your dog is in extreme pain, limping severely, or showing signs of shock (shallow breathing, pale gums), seek immediate help.

2. Prepare for Transport

• Control Bleeding: Apply steady pressure with a clean cloth or gauze, and use a bandage to secure it. If you can’t stop the bleeding, wrap the paw in a clean cloth to absorb blood.

• Keep Your Dog Calm: Speak gently to your dog, and keep them as still and calm as possible. Avoid excessive movement, which could worsen the injury.

• Wrap the Paw for Protection: If possible, use a clean bandage or cloth to wrap the paw loosely (do not make it too tight). Protect it from dirt and further injury by securing it with a sock or bootie.

• Transport Your Dog Safely: If the injury is serious, transport your dog in a safe, calm manner. If your dog is large or heavy, consider using a stretcher or makeshift support (a blanket or board) to avoid unnecessary stress on the injured paw.

• Contact the Veterinarian: Call ahead to inform the vet about the severity of the injury, so they are prepared for your arrival.

When you arrive, explain the situation quickly to the veterinarian to ensure they can provide the best care for your dog.

How to Care for a Dog's Cut Paw Pad

If your dog is actively bleeding and you don't have time to seek veterinary care before treating a paw injury, here's how to ensure your dog's cut paw pad doesn't worse. Once the situation is handled, contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital.

Additionally, try to prevent licking as you care for your dog's cut paw pad. If your dog wants to lick his cut paw, try to find a way to reliably prevent them from doing so.

1. Examine Your Dog's Paw

Look closely at the injured paw pad for a foreign object lodged in the wound and note any loosely embedded debris. You'll need to remove the object with small, clean tweezers or a similar tool.

Remove Small Foreign Objects Lodged in Your Dog's Pad

There's a good chance the cut was caused by something your dog stepped on. If there's a small foreign object such as a thorn, splinter, burr, or small fragment of material that's not deeply lodged, you can prepare to remove the object.

If possible, clean a set of tweezers with soap and hot water, then rub them with 70% rubbing alcohol briefly to disinfect them. If you can't access soapy water, hold the tips over a flame (most likely a lighter) for a moment and let them cool for a moment before removing the lodged object.

The last thing you want to do is put a dirty object into your dog's paw pad, so rinse the tool in the cleanest water you have as a last resort if you're out in nature or far from resources.

Carefully Clear Off Loosely Embedded Debris Near The Wound

There is likely some debris in and around the cut if your dog was outside when the injury occurred. Gently rinse your dog's paw with lukewarm water to clear off the majority of the debris.

If there is still debris after you rinse the paw, use your disinfected tweezers to carefully remove the rest of the material.

2. Clean The Cut & Your Pup's Entire Foot

Now that you've removed the object and debris, you can clean the wound to prevent infection. Fortunately, washing with a gentle antiseptic solution and water allows you to clean the entire foot at the same time. Cleaning your pup's entire foot helps to further limit the risk of infection.

You can use dish soap, but it's not idea because it can actually irritate the wound and increase the time it takes to heal. If you do use dish soap, be sure to use an unscented mild soap and clean thoroughly again with water afterward.

Start by Rinsing The Injured Foot with Water

Clean the pad with water, and be sure to wash the rest of the foot gently by rubbing your thumbs through the fur and between the pads and nails.

This is just a preliminary measure to clear as much debris and bacteria away from the wound and the areas surrounding the wound before you apply an antiseptic.

Disinfect The Pad with an Antiseptic

Antiseptic solutions help mitigate infection. They kill bacteria or inhibit the growth of other dangerous microorganisms in or around the wound.

Common Antiseptics to Clean a Cut Paw:

• Saline Solution: Mix one teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of water, apply it to a clean cloth, and gently apply the cloth to the wound.

• First Aid Kit Betadine: Betadine is a Povidone-Iodine solution often found in first-aid kits. This also serves as a great antiseptic, although you should dilute it in water before using it on your dog if possible. Undiluted Betadine could irritate your dog's paw pad and cause damage if it's not diluted properly.

• Rubbing Alcohol: (This may sting, don't be surprised if your dog doesn't like it) Use it lightly, and don't overdo the application of rubbing alcohol. It's best to use other options if possible, but if there are no other antiseptics nearby it will do the trick.

• 3% Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen is another option that you can use in a pinch, but using it sparingly because it can cause irritation and delay healing if you use too much.

3. Stop The Cut's Bleeding

Now that the wound is clean, it's time to stop the bleeding with clean gauze, a towel, or a sterile pad.

Apply Pressure to The Cut Paw

Take your material and apply pressure to the cut. Be firm, but not so firm that you cause additional pain to your dog.

Apply pressure for 3 to 5 minutes and examine to see if the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding doesn't slow down after 5-10 minutes of applying pressure, head to the veterinarian right away. This means the cut is deeper and should be managed by a professional.

Additional Tips to Stop Bleeding

• Elevate The Paw: Lifting the paw pad above your dog's heart can help to reduce the blood flow heading to the area and speed up healing.

• Use a Cold Compress: A cold compress (ice pack or cloth wrapped with ice inside) can constrict blood vessels in the local area and stop bleeding faster.

• Keep a Calm Demeanor: If you're calm, your dog is more likely to stay calm. If you're stressed, they will sense it and likely try to move around. The calmer you keep your dog, the more likely you are to successfully treat a paw injury.

4. Bandage The Paw

The last step in this process securing your dog's paw pad so you can make your way to the veterinarian for proper veterinary care. Here's how to do that:

Apply Gauze Pads to Cushion The Pad

Before you wrap the injured paw in a bandage, place a soft and absorbent piece of clean gauze on your dog's pad. This will serve as a cushion for them if they step on the cut. It's also a perfect way to absorb any discharge or additional blood that might come from the wound.

Wrap The Wound in a Bandage

Wrap a snug bandage around the foot, ensuring that you cover the whole paw and pad. Wrap it snugly, but don't make it too tight because this could restrict blood flow.

Secure the bandage's position by using medical tape or any other adhesive you can use around the bandage. This shouldn't be touching the dog's foot or paw pad in any way.

Using a Sock or Bootie After Bandaging

After you get the bandage in place, you can use a sock or bootie to protect the area and prevent your dog from licking or pawing at the bandage to get it off. If you're in a pinch, you can use a plastic bag as a temporary cover for your bandage.

A plastic bag can also prevent licking and prevent the bandage from getting wet if you're out doors.

How Long Does a Dog's Paw Pad Take to Heal?

For your dog's paw pad to heal from a cut, you need to give it an estimated 1-3 weeks without your dog licking or pawing at it.

• Deeper, more severe wounds will take longer to heal

• Avoid significant activity such as long walks or rambunctious play

• Invest in something to cover your dog's paws while they recover, as they will likely remove the bandage and worsen the injury if they're able to.

Continued Care is Required for Proper Healing

You need to monitor the wound for infection, check the paw regularly, clean the wound, and continue ensuring that the wound doesn't get worse as it heals. Your veterinarian will give you clear guidance on how to care for the wound during recovery.

Now You Know What to Do if Your Dog Has a Cut on Its Paw Pad

To recap, here's what you should do if your dog's paw pads are cut:

• Assess the Cut – Check for depth, debris, and bleeding.

• Clean the Wound – Rinse with water and mild antiseptic.

• Stop Bleeding – Apply gentle pressure with gauze.

• Bandage the Paw – Wrap securely, add a bootie or sock.

• Monitor – Change bandage daily; watch for signs of infection.

• Vet Visit – Seek help if the cut is deep, infected, or won't heal.

Once you get the situation under control, you should contact your vet and schedule an appointment or visit your local emergency vet. Proper veterinary care is essential for paw cuts, as they can easily become infected without the right treatment.

If your dog's paws could use a little extra support and soothing, Lolahemp's CBD paw and nose balm can help to moisturize and ease dry, cracked, or achy paws.