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My dog tore his carpal pad with a flap. Should I cut it or bandage?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog tore his carpal pad. There's no bleeding currently. There is a flap hanging that we need to know how to manage. Does it need to be cut off? Bandaged? Stitched? Thank you

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on November 9th, 2020

It's incredibly hard to tell as the photo is a little blurry. If the bleeding has stopped, you can clean the pad and trim away some of the fur to see how bad it is. If the wound is very large (more than half an inch or so) or is causing pain or difficulty walking, a trip to the vet is a good idea for pain meds, antibiotics, and a bandage (depending on the location of the pad) to help the area heal. If the wound is smaller, keeping the foot clean and dry (wrapping it when your pup goes outside to keep dirt and debris from getting in) and using an Elizabethan (e-collar) can help keep it from getting infected while it heals.

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9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Crystal L. Nelson

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 11th, 2015

    This will need medical intervention. You'll want to visit your local veterinary or emergency clinic as soon as possible, especially if there is active bleeding. After examining him, your vet may recommend sedating him to treat this wound. Depending on the severity, the flap may need to be trimmed, the wound sutured and the paw bandaged. If the area is contaminated or dirty, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, as well as pain medication. Be sure to keep the area as clean and dry as possible, and prevent any licking if you can. Place an [e-collar (cone)](https://www.petcoach.co/article/e-collars-for-cats-dogs-types-of-collars-and-diy-options/) on him until he sees the vet and/or has healed.

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    56Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Summer Walker, DVM, MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 26th, 2017

    Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Unfortunately, Segar should be seen by a veterinarian if the laceration is that severe. For these types of wounds to appropriately heal and decrease the risk of infection and additional complications, suturing/"stitches" are typically recommended. If the wound is too severe the veterinarian may have to finish amputating the portion of the pad that is severed and performing bandage changes while the remaining portion of the carpal pad heals. Oral antibiotics and pain medications may also be needed and these can be prescribed by the veterinarian. You can keep the affected pad clean and dry with a bandage until an appointment can be scheduled. The bandage should be changed at least daily to prevent soiling and the risk of infection.

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    7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Emily Fukuzato, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 13th, 2018

    Thank you for reaching out about Mia. If the cut is significant and there is a flap I have concern that it may not heal on its own. I definitely understand it can be difficult to keep an ecollar on some types of dogs. It MAY need surgical repair as pad lacerations can be difficult to heal. I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at it. If it is a significant laceration they may recommend repair, can place a bandage on it to prevent her from licking it and protect it/allow it to heal, and provide oral antibiotics if necessary.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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