8 month old dog foot wound not healing

Help, I’m at my wits' end with my 8-month-old puppy. Around three weeks ago, she somehow managed to cut her paw during a walk at the park. At first, I thought it was just a minor scrape, and the vet confirmed it wasn't too deep. We followed the instructions to keep the area clean and applied the antibiotic cream as directed, but it just isn’t healing. It looks like it keeps reopening, and now there’s a bit of swelling. She’s not limping or anything, but I can tell it’s bothering her because she keeps licking it despite having a cone on. I’m worried it might be something more serious. Has anyone faced this before? Should I head back to the vet or try something different at home? Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.

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Answer

Thanks for reaching out with your concern about your dog’s foot wound. Let’s see how I can help.



Foot wounds in dogs can linger for a few reasons. It might be that your dog is licking the wound, which can slow healing by introducing bacteria. It might also be infected or there could be a foreign object inside the wound. Sometimes, underlying health issues like a weakened immune system can also impact recovery.



For at-home care, make sure the wound is clean. You can gently clean it with mild saline solution. Keeping it dry is essential. You might want to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking and cover the wound with a light bandage, ensuring it’s neither too tight nor too loose.



Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or a bad smell. If your dog shows signs of pain, increased swelling, or if the wound doesn’t improve in a few days, it’s definitely time to seek professional help.



I recommend booking a video consult with one of our Dial A Vet professionals. This way, a vet can visually assess the wound and guide you on the best next steps, ensuring your furry friend heals quickly and comfortably.

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