My dog's split dewclaw is dirty. Should I worry about infection?

Question

My dog hurt her paw at the park, looks like she split her duclaw and there is dirt in it. She wont let us touch it, but I am trying to rinse with saline to try to clear it but it's not really working. Should this heal on it's own or is there a good risk of infection? Thank you. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 11 months and 24 days old | 40 lbs

Kevin Sanada, DVM · Accepted Answer

Infection is the biggest concern with these wounds and it's best to have a vet evaluate it to make sure it doesn't need further treatment. It's definitely good to flush it with warm water. Dogs tend to hate their feet being touched and water being sprayed on them, so I understand it will be difficult to hold her still for this. This is usually a two-person job, so if you can have someone help you hold her, then this would be best. Below is a link to a good tutorial about how to restrain her properly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y6CfUKwlQE After flushing the wound, it's best to apply an antibacterial cream to the wound and bandage it. In order to keep the wound clean, it's best to flush the wound 1-2 times a day and gently wipe away any big crusts - make sure not to scrub the wound, because this can make it worse. Apply the antibacterial cream after each flushing. If the flushing is too difficult, the you can alternatively try doing a foot bath with epsom salts for 15 minutes once a day. If the wound starts to swell or have pus oozing from it, then I'd recommend she goes to the vet for treatment. Otherwise, the wound should heal fine over the next 2-3 weeks. I hope that helps and Boca gets better soon.

My dog's split dewclaw is dirty. Should I worry about infection?

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