But you must ensure that you check the paw regularly to ensure that it is not swelling. If you have any concerns you must call the Vet. If you are applying a bandage at home, it should be checked by a Vet as soon as possible. Never leave a bandage on for longer than 24 hours unless applied by a Vet.
It is important to cover the paw from the toes up to and including the ankle (tarsus) or wrist (carpus). Covering the toes will prevent them from swelling and covering the ankle or wrist joint will prevent the bandage from slipping off. Make sure the bandage is not too tight.
Paw pads can take anywhere from 14 to 21 days to heal, but it depends on the wound and the reason for the bleeding. Deeper punctures will take longer to heal than cracked, dry paw pads and may require your dog to take it easy for a few days so as to not put too much pressure on the paw.
If your pet has had a bandage applied by us or your own vet you will likely be returning every 1-3 days for bandage changes dependent on the wound. Here is a quick guide on things to look out for. Your pet bandage is made up of several layers. The outer most is there to help protect the layers underneath.
You should not let your dog lick his cut paw. Bandaging can help to prevent licking at the site, but some dogs become so preoccupied with licking the wound that an Elizabethan collar or another device may be necessary for your dog as their cut paw pad heals.
Allow time for a dogs cut paw pad to heal
Even after your dog's pad has healed enough that it isn't painful to touch, it will still be tender and vulnerable to reinjury. Avoid activities that could damage the healing pad, or use a bootie to protect the foot. Healing time will vary depending on the size of the cut.
Leaving bandages on too long can slow the healing process and encourage infection. Replace any dressing when fluids soak through. This is called bleed-through and ideally, bandages should be changed before this occurs. Bleed-through increases the danger that a bandage will adhere to the wound.
For most minor wounds and cuts, five days should be sufficient. Bandaging without the moist barrier is not as effective. It is the petroleum jelly that will keep it moist and keep air out. Also, without the jelly barrier, newly formed skin may stick to the bandage and come off every time you change it.
When to stop covering a wound. You should keep a wound moist and covered for about five days. Change the bandage daily (or more, if the cut reopens or begins bleeding again). Reapply petroleum jelly with each change of bandage.
A safe, clean, and properly applied bandage may be very important in the healing process and could prevent an infection. Properly applying a bandage might help prevent bleeding and additional injury, along with providing some pain relief for your dog.
Cut pads, with just a small slice that isn't bleeding, can be cleaned at home and wrapped to protect them for a few days. Keep the paw dry and keep your dog fairly quiet; no rough play right now. A cut pad that's bleeding significantly, or one that has a piece of skin dangling, will need veterinary care.
When you see the dog reluctant to put its paws down, it's time to get those socks on. If it is slippery, it is advisable to use a nylon sock, while a fleece sock is comfortable when there is bare frost.
Use non-stick sterile gauze pads to cushion the bottom of your dog's cut paw pad and to absorb any blood. This should also help to decrease your dog's pain when walking on the foot. In order to help keep the gauze in place, wrap your pup's entire foot in a self-sticking bandage such as Vetwrap or Well & Good.
Bandage Your Dog's Wound
If you have antibacterial ointment on hand you may want to apply a small amount to the area before covering the wound with a piece of sterile gauze or another bandage. Avoid using products that contain hydrocortisone or other corticosteroids.
You should keep your wound covered until it is fully healed. Uncovering it before runs the risk of scabbing and re-injury, both of which may delay healing and increase scarring. If you have concerns about infection or a slow healing wound, speak to your doctor.
Keep your wound covered with clean gauze or an adhesive bandage during waking hours. You can leave it uncovered while you sleep if it isn't oozing or painful. Don't soak your wound for long periods when bathing. Don't go swimming until it's healed.
A handful of studies have found that when wounds are kept moist and covered, blood vessels regenerate faster and the number of cells that cause inflammation drop more rapidly than they do in wounds allowed to air out. It is best to keep a wound moist and covered for at least five days.
Wounds need to be covered so that they can heal properly. When a wound is left uncovered, the new surface cells that are being created can easily dry out. When these important cells dry out, it tends to slow down the healing process. A wound should be covered using a clean bandage.
If the bandage is left on for too long, the healing process will be disrupted, and the propensity for infections dramatically increases.
Skin Maceration
Once your skin is exposed to air, it usually dries out, and the issue is resolved. But underneath a wound dressing, there's much less air circulation, and the constant exposure to moisture can create a problem with skin maceration that doesn't go away as easily.
For dogs licking paws, try placing a specially designed paw bandage, or even one of your socks wrapped with adhesive surgical tape, over the irritated paw. Putting a T-shirt on your dog to cover a wound provides loose protection that also lets air reach the spot. You can purchase a recovery suit to protect your dog.
Treatment of Inflammation of the Paws in Dogs
If the cause is related to any sort of substance, such as ice melt or cleaning solution, the feet should be thoroughly washed and cleaned and medications such as antibiotics or antifungals may be needed to help with any bacterial or fungal infections.
An infection may slow wound healing or stop it completely. However, there is no healing speed faster than “average.” If your wound isn't infected, a dog's saliva isn't going to make it heal faster. (And if your wound is infected, modern medicine can do far better than your dog's tongue.