I’m really hoping some of you might have some advice for me. I have a golden retriever, Bailey, and I noticed recently that she’s been limping a little bit, especially after walks. I looked closer and saw that one of her paw pads is damaged and looks like she’s been chewing on it when I’m not around. It’s red and seems pretty sore, and I can tell it’s bothering her a lot. I’ve tried to gently clean it and put a little dog-safe ointment on it to prevent infection, but she keeps having a go at it, which makes me afraid it’s going to get worse. Have any of you experienced this with your dogs? I’m not sure if I need to take her to the vet or if there’s something else I can do at home. Any advice would be so appreciated because I hate seeing my girl in pain. Thanks in advance!
Hello there! I'm sorry to hear about your dog's paw. When a dog chews on their paw pad, it can be due to several reasons. Common causes include allergies, which can make the skin itchy; injuries like a cut or scrape; or even something stuck on the paw that irritates them. Sometimes, dogs chew due to anxiety or stress, too.
For now, try gently cleaning the paw with mild, lukewarm water to remove any debris and see if you can spot anything unusual. You can then apply a pet-safe antiseptic to help prevent infection. It's important to keep the paw clean and dry, and try to distract your dog from licking it further with toys or a comfy cone.
Look for redness, swelling, or if your dog is limping or avoiding putting weight on the paw—these could indicate an infection or more significant injury. If the chewing persists or you notice any of these signs, it's best to consult a vet.
I recommend scheduling a video consult with us at Dial A Vet. We can take a closer look and help develop a plan tailored specifically for your four-legged friend. Take care!
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