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My dog tore his paw pad, licking and limping. Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Male | neutered | 3 years and 10 months old | 35 lbs

My dog played fetch for an extended period of time yesterday and tore his paw pad. I keep bandaging it but every time I look away he’ll take it off and lick it excessively. He is limping as well and has a hard time walking outside to relieve himself. Will it heal or is it worth it to take him to the vet and maybe get meds for pain and to prevent infection? There is no bleeding but it is much more red than it was yesterday.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on July 5th, 2019

It should heal on its own, but if he is painful, then a visit to the vet would be recommended. Your vet can dispense pain medication and may recommend an antibiotic. Place an e-collar on Kaner to prevent licking which can delay healing. If possible, carry him to his area that he uses for elimination then carry him back. If he will use a pee pad, you can place one just outside the door to minimize the walking distance.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 26th, 2018

    It's always best to have a him seen by a vet just in case there wound is more involved than I can see from the pictures, but you can do a few things at home to promote healing. First, wash/spray the area with just cool, clean water (no soap or other antiseptics) for at least 5 minutes at a time. Do this at least twice a day. Bandage the wound with gauze and apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream (i.e Neosporin) to the wound. Below is a link to a good demonstration of bandaging a dog leg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKvcftKDIoM Keeping it covered and keeping Theo from licking it will be the most difficult part of the treatment. You can help keep the bandage on by placing a good (really sticky) tape above and below the bandage. You can find sprays in the pet store, like bitter apple, that are meant to deter licking. This can be sprayed on the bandage (not the wound) to help keep Theo from chewing it off. NOTE: Be careful not to bandage too tight or it can cut-off the circulation. If you notice that the toes/foot starts to swell, then remove the bandage and leave it off until the swelling goes down. Another strategy to keep the bandage on, is taping a clean sock over the bandage. These types of lesions tend to take a long time to heal, so don't be surprised if its not completely healed until a month later. Once the skin looks normal and Theo stops trying to lick, you can stop the cleaning/bandaging. I hope that helps and Theo gets better soon.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 22nd, 2019

    Ouch, poor pup! Gently wash the paws with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wounds 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 he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I would also rest him for now. No walks or exercise. Take him out to potty on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he's still limping after 24-48 hours, have him see a vet for pain medications. Do not give him any human ones, many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 3rd, 2017

    Nice photo. This should heal just fine. You can do a daily Epsom salt warm water bath and Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water today only to help clean it properly. I would only keep a bandage on this for roughly 2 days, making sure it isn't too tight, then just cover the paw when he goes outside to keep debris out of the wound. Pay special attention to the area to make sure it doesn't get infected or doesn't heal well. If it looks like it is getting infected then a vet visit is needed. I hope everything works out well for Tank. Best wishes and take care.

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