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My dog's carpal pad is torn. Can I treat it at home or see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 8 months old | 50 lbs

My dog’s carpal pad is a bit torn. She isn’t licking or biting it often/constantly and it isn’t raw/red/bleeding. Her behavior hasn’t changed. She’s still eating, running, and playing. She isn’t crying or limping. How do I clean it for it to heal? Do I need to get a cone? Do I have to take her to the vet? She enjoys peaking over our fence, it may be a possibility that she scrapped it on the wood?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If the wound is superficial then you can just monitor it. If there is ANY licking at all then I would use the E-collar as they tend to be licking 10 times the amount you actually see. She could have scraped it on the fence or the hot asphalt. I would just soak the food in an Epsom salt bath 1-2 times daily for 5-7 days. I wouldn't put anything topical on it as she will likely lick it off or it will come off when she walks. If it is deep then you should see your Vet. You can always post a picture here as well. Good luck!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 11th, 2019

    You can try cleaning it with just some mild soap and water. Be sure to rinse it really well. Pat it dry. Then you can wrap it. I would put a cone collar on her if she is trying to lick or chew off her bandage. If it isn't starting to heal in a couple of days, I would have your vet take a look at it. The flap of skin my need to be cut back and she may end up needing antibiotics. I hope this helps and she starts to feel better soon.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 3rd, 2020

    Yes you can. I would gently clean Haryley's wounds with warm water and antiseptic soap. Put a bandage over her wound, and change it daily. To keep her from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it.

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