Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 1 year and 10 months old | 70 lbs
My pit bull cut her paw pad yesterday. It removed a piece of flesh about a quarter inch in diameter. The wound has been washed with water and a saline solution and kept bandaged mostly. I have left it open to the air while she is resting on the couch the past hour. The paw pad does not appear to be swollen and not too sensitive to the touch. She is eating and drinking normally. Is there anything I can/should do?
1 Answer
Published on April 2nd, 2017
Hello. I am sorry that Rey has a cut. Foot pads are notoriously difficult to heal due to the constant motion and pressure. They often get infected so getting antibiotics on board might be a good idea. Also, keeping it bandaged when she is walking, and open to the air when she is resting is a good idea. You have to be VERY careful with bandages in dogs, as a bandage that is too tight can cause swelling and you can actually kill the leg and it can require amputation. Make sure any bandage is placed and attached just using attachment to the hair, and not by pressure around the leg. If you are unsure you should have this done by a vet clinic. An E-collar or cone to prevent licking/chewing of the wound as well as the bandage is a good idea as well, because she likely will lick/chew it when you aren't around, even if she isn't when you are present. Also, pain management and anti-inflammatories from your vet might be a good idea. Do not use any human products as they can cause kidney failure. I would recommend a visit to your vet for these aspects. Good luck with Rey.
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