Cut Pads etc. - Use cotton wool soaked in warm salted water or dilute antiseptic solution to wash down the pad and remove any grit etc. with tweezers. If broken glass is suspected to be lodged in the pad get your dog to the vet for treatment. If the cut is deep and bleeding a lot apply pressure with a cotton pad bandaged firmly to the foot and get your pet to the vet for treatment.
Burns and Scalds - Hold the affected area under cold running water for at least 5 to 10 minutes or hold an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth to the affected area and get to your pet to your vet for treatment.
Bite Wounds - Minor wounds with minimal tearing of tissues can be cleaned down with salt water or antiseptic solutions. Always bring your pet to your vet to be checked as teeth can go in very deep leaving only a small puncture wound visible on the surface. Your pet may need antibiotics to control infection.
Wasp and Bee Stings - A sting will cause pain for a while and this can be eased by applying a weak solution of water and baking soda to the affected area, or applying ice wrapped in a towel. A bee sting can leave a ‘stinger’ in the skin which can be removed by scraping it out with a fingernail or a piece of cardboard. Go to your vet if there are multiple stings, or if swelling persists or spreads and especially if your dog gets stung on the tongue or in the mouth. There is a risk of an allergic reaction, with swelling in the throat which could be dangerous and need urgent veterinary attention.
Broken dewclaws or nails – this can be very painful as the ‘quick’ or nerve in the nail may be exposed. If your pet allows, you can lightly bandage the area to prevent further movement and damage until you get to your vet. Your pet may need to be sedated and the claw clipped back to the nail bed and bandaged to protect it until it is growing again and less sensitive.
Ingrowing nails – this happens most with the dewclaws on the sides of the legs, as they do not wear down by contact with the ground, so may grow into the nearby skin and cause pain and infection. It may happen with any of the nails if your pet is immobile for a while due to an injury or due to old age, so keep an eye on the length of all nails and get them clipped regularly. Your pet may resent any efforts to cut the nail to remove it and may need veterinary attention if there is infection.