Explore other programs:
Resources

  • Pad Wounds in Dogs

    A dog with a bloody pad wound.

    Signs of a Dog Pad Wound

    The signs of a pad wound are bleeding, limping, not putting weight on the limb, or foreign object in the pad.

    Causes of a Dog Pad Wound

    The most common cause of a pad wound is stepping on a sharp object, such as a thorn or a piece of glass.

    • Use my location

    Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.

    Emergency Steps (Dog Pad Wound)

    1

    Wash the area with saline solution or warm, soupy water.

    • Saline solution is 1 teaspoon salt to 1 quart warm water.
    2

    Dry the foot.

    3

    Bandage the foot by placing a strip of adhesive tape on each side of the foot, starting several inches above the wound and extending several inches past the bottom of the foot.

    • The tape should go directly on the fur.
    4

    This tape acts like stirrups to hold the bandage in place.

    5

    Place a nonstick pad or gauze sponge over the wound.

    6

    Wrap the paw with gauze roll, starting from the toes and ending just above the ankle or wrist.

    7

    Pull the ends of the sticky tape over the end of the gauze roll bandage as far as it will go, with the sticky part twisted to face and adhere to the bandage.

    8

    Place an elastic or cling roll bandage over the cotton, working from the toes to the ankle.

    9

    Make sure the bandage is not too tight.

    • Check for toe swelling and feel the limb just above the bandage for coolness, swelling or pain. If any of these are evident, loosen the bandage.
    10

    Take the dog to a veterinary hospital.

    Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App

    Pet First Aid App. The free Pet First Aid App provides guidance on your pet's health, what to do in emergencies and how to include your pets in your preparedness plans.

    The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.

    Help Save Pet Lives with an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class

    Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.

    Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!

    Register Now!

    You love your pets and want to keep them happy - heart. Our Cat and Dog First Aid Online Training can help. Learn how to provide a healthy lifestyle and deliver first aid to your pet. Register today! American Red Cross

    Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD

    Dr. Debbie Mandell

    Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

    About Red Cross Training Services

    More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.