The dog's paw pads are thick plates of skin tissue located on the paws, under the toes.

These pads are thick, fleshy, and tough, consisting of an outer layer of thick skin and a deeper layer of adipose tissue and connective tissue.

The plantar pads, those located on the bottom of the paws, perform several important functions for the dog:

- They act as natural shock absorbers during walking and running.

- They absorb shocks and distribute the body's weight evenly.

- They help the dog maintain good traction on the ground, allowing it to move effectively.

- They help regulate the dog's body temperature.

- They allow the dog to perceive the characteristics of the surface it walks on.

Therefore, we can say that the dog's paw pads play a significant role in the lives of our four-legged friends.

For this reason, they must be given great consideration and protected from external events that may damage them.

Continue reading if you want to know how to effectively treat cuts and abrasions on dog's paw pads.

What are the external factors that can damage a dog's paw pads?

The most common problems with a dog's paw pads are generally conditions caused by external factors.

First of all, there are abrasions due to the simple rubbing that occurs when the dog walks.

The rubbing of the pad on the asphalt or sidewalk can cause redness, small wounds, thickening of the skin, or swelling.

Then there are foreign bodies, which can cause pain and swelling in the affected area.

Let's see, therefore, how to intervene effectively in the situations that occur most frequently.

Rubbing injuries

Friction injuries occur when the dog drags or slips on rough or abrasive surfaces, such as concrete. They are common in active or sporting dogs, for example, those that often chase a ball on hard grounds like asphalt.

Symptoms: The skin on the paw pads can be abraded or peeled, and the pads cracked and cut. The dog may limp or show discomfort.

In some cases, the paw pads can be visibly worn, dry, and rough.

Treatment: Friction injuries may require wound care, such as cleaning, disinfecting, and the application of creams or ointments for healing.

If your dog has cracked or peeled paw pads, proceed like this:

Before treating the dog's paws, make sure to clean them with warm water and a mild detergent. Remove any debris or dirt present on the skin, even between the toes. Gently dry the paws with a clean towel.
Carefully examine the dog's paws to identify any cuts, abrasions, or inflamed areas. Make sure to check for foreign objects, such as thorns or splinters (we will cover this topic below).
Apply a small amount of healing disinfectant or petroleum jelly to the dog's paw pads to keep them hydrated. Ensure that the product is safe for veterinary use and does not contain harmful ingredients if ingested by the dog.
Protect the dog's paws from further damage by providing dog shoes or paw covers. These devices can help prevent additional rubbing or irritation. Alternatively, use a liquid bandage for additional protection.
Limit the dog's activity for some time to allow the paws to heal. Avoid taking him on long walks or over rough terrain until the paws are completely healed.

Burns

Burns to the pads can be caused by walking on hot surfaces such as asphalt or scorching pavement, or contact with irritating chemicals.

In the most severe cases, the skin of the pad burns to the point of detaching from the flesh, or the pad appears scorched and painful.

Symptoms: The dog may limp, lick, or nibble at the injured paw. The skin may be red, swollen, or have blisters. In the worst cases, the raw flesh can be seen.

Treatment: If your dog has burnt paw pads, it's important to take steps to treat the injury and relieve the pain. Here's what you can do:

First of all, cool the burnt area. You can do this by gently immersing the dog's paws in cold water or applying a cool, damp cloth to the burnt area for a few minutes. This will help reduce pain and inflammation.
Again, after cooling the area, gently clean the burnt paw pads with warm water and a mild detergent. Make sure to remove any debris or dirt from the wound.
After cleaning, apply a specific ointment for burns or a disinfectant spray for burns to the entire burnt surface if you do not want to or cannot touch the burnt skin. This can help prevent infections and promote healing.
If the injury is quite severe or the dog continues to lick or bite it, you might want to cover the paw pads with a light and breathable bandage. Make sure not to wrap too tightly so as not to compromise circulation.
Limit the dog's activity for some time to allow healing. Avoid long walks or rough terrain until the injuries are completely healed. You can also protect the dog's paws with specific dog footwear to prevent further injury.
If the injuries are severe, deep, or cover a large area of the paws, it is important to consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics, if necessary, and will assess whether more advanced medical management is needed.

Ulcers

Ulcers are painful, open sores or wounds on the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. They can be caused by injuries, infections, or medical conditions that also involve the pads. They are often painful for the dog.

Symptoms: Ulcers appear as open areas or sores on the surface of the pads. The dog may limp or lick the wounded area.

Around the ulcer, the pad can appear swollen and red, and in some cases, there may be bleeding.

Treatment: The treatment for ulcers depends on the underlying cause. The veterinarian may prescribe medications, bandages, or surgical procedures if necessary.

If it is a case of small ulcerations and the dog is in pain, or if you want to prevent the wounds from getting infected before you go to the vet, proceed as follows:

Once again, start by gently cleaning the ulcers on the dog's paw pads. Use warm water and a mild cleanser to remove dirt and debris. You can also use a saline solution made by mixing a small amount of salt in warm water.
If the ulcers seem to contain pus or debris, you can use a needleless syringe to gently irrigate the ulcer with the saline solution. This can help remove foreign material and promote wound cleanliness.
After cleaning, you can apply a concentrated antibiotic ointment specific for ulcers or wounds to the lesion. This will help prevent infections and promote healing.
Consider protecting the dog's paws with specific dog footwear or paw covers, especially if the dog continues to lick or bite the ulcers. Make sure these shoes are clean and dry to avoid further infections.
If the ulcers are deep or bleeding, you might need to apply a light and breathable bandage, or a protective silicone sock. If you choose to bandage, make sure not to wrap too tightly to avoid compromising circulation.
Limit the dog's activity for a while to allow the ulcers to heal. Avoid long walks or rough terrain until the ulcers have fully healed.

Since ulcers can be a symptom of an ongoing pathology, it is important to consult a veterinarian if the dog has ulcers on the paw pads.

The veterinarian might recommend a specific treatment, such as antibiotics or other medications, depending on the severity of the lesions.

In some cases, a more thorough examination may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of the ulcers.

Foreign bodies:

Foreign bodies can include splinters, thorns, small fragments of glass, stones, or sharp objects on the ground during walks, which can easily penetrate the dog's paw pad when walking.

Symptoms: The dog may limp or lift the injured paw. You may notice swelling, redness, or even a small cut.

The paw pad may appear pink or red, and depending on the type of foreign body and the state of the wound, there may be the presence of pus.

Treatment: If you suspect the presence of a foreign body, consult a veterinarian. They will be able to remove the object safely and prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection.

If, on the other hand, the foreign body is partially protruding from the flesh and is a simple thorn or a fragment of wood, you may try to gently remove it.

Before touching the wound, thoroughly wash the dog's paws with warm water and neutral soap to remove dirt or superficial debris. Do not touch the entry point of the foreign body, and if the dog has a small paw, use a cotton swab.
If the foreign body is visible and can be safely reached, use sterilized tweezers to gently remove it. Make sure not to further damage the surrounding tissue. Grasp the exposed part with the tweezers and rotate your wrist slightly clockwise, pulling gently but firmly. Do not force the object if it seems to be deeply embedded or if the dog shows resistance or significant pain. In this case, it is better to consult a veterinarian.
After removal, clean the wound with a disinfectant solution or hydrogen peroxide diluted in water. Apply an antibiotic or disinfectant cream to the wound.
If the lesion is open or bleeding, it may be necessary to apply a sterile bandage or dressing to cover the wound and prevent infection. Make sure that the bandage is not too tight.
Keep an eye on the wound and the dog's behavior in the following hours. If you notice signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, pus, or worsening pain), consult a veterinarian immediately.
To learn more, read our guide: Thorn in the dog's paw: how to remove it safely.

Foxtails

Foxtails are the small, pointed spikes of wild grasses.

Once dry, they easily become entangled in a dog's fur, lodge in the eyes or ears, or are inhaled.

They often become stuck between the dog's paw pads, where they can pierce the skin and penetrate beneath.

Symptoms: The dog may show pain, limp, or lick and nibble at the affected paw. If the awn has only partially penetrated, part of it will be seen protruding from the flesh, while if it has entered completely into the flesh, the pad will appear swollen, reddened, and possibly suppurating.

Treatment: In this case, due to the particular shape of the awn and its danger, DIY removal is not advisable if the awn has fully penetrated the flesh. The veterinarian must carefully remove the foxtail, ensuring that no parts of the awn remain in the dog's paw pad. They may then prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

If you want to know all about these dangerous spikes, read our article Why are foxtails dangerous for dogs? And how to remove them?

How to prevent dryness, abrasion, and injuries to dog pads

There are several measures you can take to protect your dog's paw pads:

Regularly inspect the pads for cuts, abrasions, or injuries. Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or limping.
Keep your dog's nails trimmed to the correct length to prevent them from interfering with walking and causing injuries to the pads.
Both excessive heat and cold can damage the pads. Avoid walking your dog on very hot surfaces during the summer and protect them from the cold and ice during the winter.
Avoid walking your dog on abrasive surfaces or hot asphalt on warm days. Try to favour walks on grass or soft ground.
For particularly sensitive dogs or in situations where the risk of pad injuries is high, you can consider the use of protective footwear specifically designed for dogs.
Gradually get your dog used to different surfaces and terrains to strengthen the pads and paws. Training and conditioning can help prevent injuries.
Keep your dog's paws clean and wash the pads if necessary. Avoid using too harsh detergents that could dry out the skin. You can also apply creams or moisturising ointments specific for pads, but consult your vet first.
Ticks and fleas can cause irritation and itching, leading the dog to chew on their paws. Use anti-parasite products to keep them under control.
A balanced diet rich in nutrients can contribute to the overall health of the skin and pads.

As you can see, a little attention and some experience in treating small wounds are enough to keep your dog's pads in perfect health.

If, however, you suspect that it is a pathology, read our article on diseases of the dog pads.

And if you are looking for products useful in preventing chapping and dryness and maintaining healthy pads, read here and discover our favourite solutions in the guide to the best products for dog paw pads.

Author's note

I invite all readers to share their experience on this topic in the comments section.

Any information you wish to share about health, character, products, and advice on training or diet will help us create a great community of owners who not only love dogs but also know how to manage them at their best.

From the Staff of Khani.co.uk

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Disclaimer

The information on our site is of a general nature and in no way replaces the advice of a veterinarian or industry experts. If in doubt, always turn to your vet.

Dog's paw pads: how to treat cuts and abrasions effectively