PAW TEAR

Question
I HAVE A 5 YR OLD BOXER SHE HAS A PAW TEAR AND IT IS VERY PAINFUL FOR HER, ANY SUGGESTIONS WHAT TO HELP HER TODAY OUR VET IS CLOSED FOR THE WEEKEND.

Answer
Hi Anna,

Thank you for writing to me about your boxer.  I am so sorry that she hurt her paw.

Even if your vet is closed for the weekend, they are always available for emergencies, or should be.  Call your vet and he should have an answering service.  See if he will come in and stitch up the paw.  If it doesn't require stitches than you can probably take care of this yourself.

Clean out the wound with luke warm water and a mild soap.  You can stick her paw into a clean pot of water and wash it that way.  Follow up with an anti-biotic cream, preferably one that has a desensitizing agent in it.  Wrap the paw with a large patch bandage and gauze and keep your dog calm and relaxed.

She may try to tear the bandage off.  If you can give her something to keep her mind occupied, such as a chew toy, that would be helpful.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis