What to Do If Your Pet Has Paw Problems 🧡 🐾

First things to check

If your pet is limping, licking a paw excessively, holding it up, or you see blood — stay calm and act promptly. Look for obvious signs: active bleeding, foreign objects (glass, thorns), swelling, discharge, or a bad smell that may suggest infection.

How to examine safely

• Speak soothingly and move slowly to avoid startling your pet.
• Ask a helper to gently hold the pet or place the animal on a stable surface.
• Inspect the pads, between toes, nails, and the area around the paw.

If your pet shows severe pain or becomes aggressive, it’s safer to seek professional help rather than risk an injury to yourself or the animal.

Basic first aid steps

1. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth to control bleeding.
2. Rinse the wound with warm water to remove dirt; remove small visible debris with tweezers if you can do so safely.
3. Use an animal-safe antiseptic if available; if not, cleaning with warm water is better than leaving dirt in the wound.
4. Place a non-occlusive dressing: sterile gauze plus a light bandage. Avoid tight wrapping; check circulation at the toes.

Seek veterinary care if the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, if bone is exposed, or if you see signs of infection like pus, spreading redness, or severe swelling.

How to bandage a paw correctly

• Start with sterile dressing directly over the wound, then secure with an elastic bandage.
• Make sure the bandage is snug but not tight; you should be able to slip a finger under it.
• Keep the bandage dry and change it daily or whenever it becomes dirty or wet.
• Monitor the toes for color and temperature to ensure good blood flow.

What not to do

• Don’t pour undiluted alcohol or harsh antiseptics into deep wounds — they can damage tissue and increase pain.
• Don’t attempt to remove deeply embedded objects yourself.
• Don’t leave a tight bandage on for long periods; check it frequently.

When to see the vet

• Bleeding won’t stop with pressure
• Deep, large, or contaminated wounds
• Exposed bone or severe deformity
• Signs of infection: pus, bad odor, spreading swelling
• The paw is completely non-weight-bearing or the animal is in severe pain

Prevention and routine care

• Check paws regularly, especially after walks in rough terrain.
• Trim nails correctly to avoid ingrown nails.
• Clean between toes if your pet walks in muddy or salty areas.
• Consider protective booties for harsh surfaces.

Emotional care matters: stay calm, speak softly, and offer reassurance during care. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian — prompt, gentle attention helps paws heal faster and keeps your pet comfortable.