My dog has torn paw pads. Can I use Epsom salt or what else helps?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Male | neutered | 7 years and 2 months old | 60 lbs
Hello! My huskies escaped in a storm the other night, and it took me until the morning to find them. I think that they seeked out shelter in the woods and each came back with a limp. Upon further inspection, their paw pads are torn and have flaps of skin hanging. I have bandaged their paws with neosporin to keep them from licking their paws. Is their anything more I can do/would an epsom salt soak help? I'm taking them to the vet tomorrow so this is temporary relief. Thanks!
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 24th, 2017
Hello there! I'm so glad your pups are home safe. It sounds like you are doing right by them until their vet visit with the bandaging and Neosporin (be sure that no one eats the bandages - you certainly don't want any secondary GI problems!). The limping is probably from the paw damage, but your vet will give them a thorough exam to make sure that they don't have any other injuries. I recommend avoiding the Epsom salt soak for any open wounds as it may be irritating. Epsom salts are good for painful joints and the like, but we don't want to put salt into any cuts. If you think anything might be stuck in their paw pads, a soak in lukewarm water with a mild soap solution may be helpful. Just be sure to rinse and dry their paws very well afterwards to avoid any further moisture build-up in between the toes, which may harbor bacteria. I hope they both feel better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 12th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While you could do that, I think it would be more beneficial for Onyx to proceed with epsom salt baths. You basically dilute epsom salt in warm water and soak his foot for 10-15 minutes twice daily for 2-3 days. This will help speed up the healing process. It is important to dry his paw up very well afterwards. If not improving or worsening within the next few days, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Otherwise, he is likely going to do well. Good luck and have a wonderful day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 13th, 2018
Yikes. It looks like Scout's pads are very painful. No, it is not normal for the paw pad to peel off like that. I would supsect that he injured them in some way (running, swimming, burned, etc). Paw pad injuries take a long time to heal and the area needs to stay protected. I would look at getting a pair of booties that he tolerates well. I like Ruffwear ( https://ruffwear.com/collections/boots ). They are expensive, but a great company. What I will typically recommend to people who have dogs that have injured their paw pads is to soak the feet in dilute Epsom Salt (using the dilution on the packaging) for 5 minutes, then keep the feet in booties. If the paw pads develop any odor, discharge or redness, then your veterinarian should examine them. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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