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My dog's paw pad is cut, red, raw, and limping. What home care?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 9 months and 10 days old | 80 lbs

My dog cut his paw pad open, it’s not bleeding but it’s red and raw. Is there any at home care I can do? I don’t think it requires stitches, he can still walk and run on it but he will limp here and there. What should I do?

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 9th, 2018

Ouch, poor Oakley! Gently wash his paw with warm water and antiseptic soap. Bandage it and put a sock over his foot to keep the bandage clean and dry. Change the bandage daily and keep an eye out for signs of infection. They include redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and pus. If you see any of those signs, take him into the vet for antibiotics. He's limping because he is in pain, so rest him for now. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on leash only, and bring him right back in when he's done. Please do not give him any human pain medication. Many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These types of lesions usually heal well after rest and some supportive care. You can consider soaking the affected foot in epsom salt water three times a day for 7 days. Make sure to dry it up well afterwards. If no improvement is noted after, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I hope you find this information helpful. Good luck and have a good night!

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 1st, 2021

    Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is too late to stitch up the wound indeed. It will have to heal by second intention, which is a slow granulation process starting from the bottom of the wound. Ideally, Dublin should have an antibiotic cream or ointment put in the wound 1-2 daily to avoid infection. Please, talk to your vet about prescribing an antibiotic for him. Also, you should make sure Dublin is not licking the wound.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on July 1st, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a superficial wound. This is actually quite common. You can soak his paw in an epsom salt bath 3 times a day for 5 days as that may speed up the healing process. Make sure that his paw is dry after each bath and if no improvement is seen after that time period, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on June 26th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In most cases, this goes away on its own fairly quickly. Epsom salt baths usually help speed up the healing process by doing it 3 times a day for 3-5 days. However, in some cases, a visit to the veterinarian is needed for prescription of pain control medications. If she continues to act painful, it would be best to have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

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