How to Care for a Dog’s Paw Wound at Home

Paw wounds in dogs are common, especially when your dog spends a lot of time outside. Knowing how to care for a paw wound in dogs is essential to prevent small injuries from becoming serious infections. Prompt and proper care will help ensure your dog recovers quickly and comfortably.

Your dog is frolicking outdoors, enjoying a beautiful day. All of a sudden, she yips, stops, and holds up her foot. You notice she has a paw wound, and it needs care. What should you do? 

The first thing your dog will want to do is obsessively lick the wound. Although this is a natural reaction, it’s unfortunately one of the best ways for a small problem to become a big infection. So it’s important to promptly attend to the paw wound yourself. 

1. Decide if she needs veterinary attention 

The first step when dealing with a paw wound in dogs is to determine whether or not your dog needs to see the veterinarian. Home care should not be attempted for moderate to serious paw wounds. If the injury is more than just superficial, it’s best to take her to the vet as soon as possible for proper care, such as cleaning, disinfecting, antibiotics (if necessary), stitches, etc.  

“Some wounds need suturing, and these are best treated within 24 hours of the injury,” says veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier 

2. Clean the injury

If the wound is small and shallow, and a vet visit isn’t needed, start by cleaning it with a dog-safe soap, ensuring the injury is properly flushed and clear of debris. Make sure to check the whole paw during this process, to ensure you are aware of the full visible extent of the injury. Dry the entire paw, including between the toes, with a clean, sterile material.

3. Disinfect the wound

Next, it’s important to disinfect the paw wound to protect against infection. You can use a dog-safe antiseptic from the pet supply store, or make a natural antiseptic at home using a dilute saltwater solution. Dissolve ½ teaspoon salt in around 1¼ cups of cooled boiled water, and use the mixture to bathe the injury. Be careful to dry it afterwards. Depending on the wound and any input from your vet, it can be wise to then apply a dog-safe antibiotic cream.

4. Prevent your dog from licking her paw 

Licking can worsen a paw wound in dogs, delaying healing and introducing bacteria. If your dog has access to the wound, she’ll lick off anything you apply to it, which not only defeats the purpose but can also be harmful if she ingests it.  “An Elizabethan collar is helpful to discourage licking,” says Dr. Messonnier. In some circumstances, a bandage may be used – more on this below. 

5. Watch the wound

Keep an eye on the paw wound over the next several days to ensure it heals properly. Make sure it stays clean and dry, and watch for any signs of infection. If redness, swelling or discharge develop, take your dog to the vet.

Should You Bandage a Paw Wound?

Bandaging a paw wound may not always be necessary, although it can be used if the injury is serious and you’re heading to the vet. “I think wounds should be bandaged only long enough to take the dog to the veterinarian to be examined,” says Dr. Messonnier. “Also, unless the vet visit is more than 24 hours away, no antibiotic cream would be needed. The wound can simply be flushed with water and a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine solution.”

Tips for bandaging a paw wound:

• Use clean, sterile gauze (ideally in a roll) to bandage the paw and lower leg, securing it to prevent removal. For wounds between toes, add a loose layer of gauze to absorb moisture. Choose soft, fine gauze to avoid irritation.

• After wrapping the paw and foreleg, ensure the gauze isn’t too tight. It should be snug but comfortable, as gauze can stretch and may restrict circulation if applied too tightly.

• Grab some vet wrap, available in various colors at pet or farm supply stores. For dogs who lick bandages, use chew-deterrent wrap. Tape the vet wrap over the gauze, starting at the lower leg and working upward. “It’s recommended you start at the lower point on the extremity and work towards the top of the affected limb,” says Dr. Messonnier. Ensure some of the vet wrap touches the dog’s leg to prevent the bandage from slipping.

• A critical part of the vet wrap step is to take it over the toe and then back up to about the mid-section of the bandage for one to two more mid-leg wraps. This will keep the wrap from sliding off the paw and is crucial for a longer-lasting bandage. Also, make sure to use only as much wrap as needed to secure the gauze and provide a durable walking bandage. If too much wrap is used it can restrict air flow, which can hinder healing.

Decide with your veterinarian how long to keep the bandage on. This will be based on your dog’s specific injury.

Regular year-round paw care should be an important part of caring for your dog, but if a paw wound occur, attending to it as soon as it occurs will help ensure it heals quickly and comfortably, without complications, so he can go back to enjoying life!

Make sure the bandage is not too tight

Because your dog can’t let you know if his bandage is too tight, you must be very careful during the whole process to ensure it’s just snug enough to be secure, but not so tight as to cause any discomfort or harm. 

After wrapping your dog’s paw and foreleg in gauze, insert a finger between the gauze and her leg to ensure there’s enough slack. The same applies when you’re using vet wrap over the gauze. 

“Have the vet check the bandage within 24 hours of applying it, unless your doctor advises otherwise,” says Dr. Messonnier. “Applying a bandage too tightly or failing to change it frequently can result in loss of the limb.”

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