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My dog is limping with a cracked, raw, painful paw. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 5 months old | 66 lbs

Aloha! Pono lives outside and has a dog house and large cover/garage where he is able to keep dry. It has been raining lately very hard here in Hawaii. I just noticed today that he is limping on one paw. Attached is a photo of his foot. It looks cracked, and a large missing piece from his paw. It seems to be raw and painful. Should I clean it and apply Paw Soother (photo attached)? Should I wrap it up or let it air out? Thank you so much in advance.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 19th, 2020

You can clean it daily with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution and dry it thoroughly afterwards. Anything you apply will likely be lucked off unless you use an e-collar. It may have been abraded on rough surfaces inside or outside his enclosure. Since he is limping, he is likely painful and should be seen by your veterinarian. Pain medication can be administered or dispensed if indicated. If possible, the paw should be protected until it heals. This may require a bandage/bootie, coming indoors, an e-collar (cone) or a combination of the three. Your veterinarian can determine the best course of treatment after an exam.

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