Cut paw pad

[lougle]

Patch came in from the garden about half an hour ago, dripping blood. After cleaning him up it seems he's got two cuts on the side of his main pad on one of his hind legs. I telephoned the vets, who said to come in at 2pm. I just wanted to check if I really need to take him.

The cuts are probably 3mm deep. DH found a retaining clip on the path outside, which might be what he stood on. The bleeding seems to have stopped after bathing it.

I'm not trying to be tight in any way - I'll happily take him to the vet if needs be. I'm just conscious that it's a PDSA hospital (we qualify) and I don't want to waste their resources if they're just going to take a quick look and tell me to keep it clean.

Ddog had a similar injury a few weeks ago - a puncture wound on his pad

I took him to the vet as I wasn't sure what had caused it - vet said it was probably a thorn but whatever it was had taken quite a bit of dirt in with it. The vet flushed it out and gave him some antibiotics and a painkiller and then I had to keep it clean (ha!) and flush it out once a day

I would just wash in saltwater a few times a day personally.
Then if it doesn't improve take him in.

Thank you. I called the vet to cancel as the blood loss stopped and he was walking on it normally.

Yes I'd just clean it then try and keep it clean but don't dress it when inside, and rest the dog as much as it will until it has healed.

Almost a week on, the wounds themselves haven't caused a problem, but the actual pads are now a deep pink colour, I presume from licking. His pads are normally black.

I read on a forum about using apple cider vinegar (50/50 with water) as a dip. Will that help? Does he need to see a vet?

He's not limping or otherwise seeming unwell and he licks only when he's resting.

Had a few of these the vet said they don't tend to stitch unless it's really bad. The key is to try and stop them licking it, I've used a buster collar and bandaged it before. I washed the cut daily as well.

I may have to do that. As it's healing he's chewing it.

My dog got one last week, she kept chewing the bandage off and opening it up again. She's had another op today so is in a collar so hopefully it'll heal.