My dogs pads are gone.

Question
My dog got out of our yard and didn't come back until this morning when we found her running around. my sister gave her a bath and had her laying under a blanket to keep her warm and when i went to play a game with her which is were i kiss her paw paws and tell her how beautiful she is i noticed that the middle of her big pad is missing from her paw and it looks like raw skin. how do i help her. i can't take her to the vet because i don't have the money right now. i have cleaning cut stuff but i don't know how to put it on with out hurting her, i hate hurting her. please help!

Answer
Hi Jessica,

Thoroughly clean the wound with an antiseptic wound cleaner, such as Betadine. Be gentle, and dab at the wound with a clean wash cloth, then dab with a towel to dry the foot.  Apply a first Aid ointment, such as Neosporin and a non-adherent bandage.  A clean white cotton sock can loosely be taped around your dog's ankle (place tape on the sock, not on the fur!) to help keep the bandage clean and prevent your dog from taking bandage off.

For any bandaged paw, frequent bandage changes are necessary regardless of the severity of the injury. Your pet sweats from his footpads so moisture develops in the bandage. This can slow healing and result in infections. You will need to change his bandage every 2-3 days.

If your dog won't leave the sock or bandage alone, you can try using a "liquid bandage", such as 3m Liquid Pet Bandage, or R-7 Liquid Bandage Spray. These products protect minor wounds with a waterproof seal, and  provide soothing, breathable protection that promotes healing and helps keep out debris, dirt and germs. Make sure any first aid spray you choose is alcohol-free and non-stinging. Many of these first aid products made for pets also contain a bitter tasting substance that discourages pets from licking and chewing the affected area. Look for these products at larger pet stores, such as Petsmart or PetCo.

Depending on the depth of the abrasion, the healing time may take up to two or three weeks.

If the foot pad appears to get worse: it feels warm, looks red or gets weepy, your dog needs to be examined by your vet. Not providing your dog medical care when she needs it is neglect. Talk to your vet about paying off the bill over an agreed upon period of time. Many vets are open to this, if it's discussed prior to making the appointment. Many animal shelters and Humane Associations know of reduced cost vet clinics in their areas. You should contact these organizations to see if there's a reduced cost animal clinic in your area.

Best of luck,
Patti