What should I do if my dog's paw is cut by glass? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog's paw is cut by glass, start by checking how deep the cut looks and whether it's still bleeding. Small surface cuts can sometimes be managed at home with gentle cleaning and rest, but deeper cuts, ongoing bleeding or a dog that won't put weight on the paw may need veterinary attention.
Things To Check
1. See if the paw is actively bleeding, oozing, or if the bleeding has already stopped.
2. Look closely for glass, grit, dirt or another small object in the pad or between the toes.
3. Check for redness, swelling, heat, limping or signs your dog is licking at it more than usual.
4. Compare the cut with the rest of the paw to judge whether it looks shallow or more open and gaping.
5. Watch how your dog is walking, standing and using the paw on different surfaces.
6. Notice any discharge, bad smell or scabbing that seems to be getting worse rather than settling.
7. Check whether the injury happened after walking on broken glass, indoors, in the garden, or somewhere the paw may have been trapped or scraped.
Common Causes
The most obvious cause is a straightforward cut from broken glass or another sharp object.
Sometimes the paw pad is only lightly grazed, while in other cases a piece of glass may be left in the skin or between the toes.
A dog can also look sore because the paw has been bruised or irritated around the cut, even if the wound itself seems small.
Less commonly, what looks like a simple cut may hide a deeper wound that needs proper cleaning or stitches.
What To Do
Keep your dog calm and prevent them from licking the paw while you take a closer look.
If you can do so safely, rinse the area gently with clean lukewarm water to remove loose dirt or tiny fragments. Avoid digging into the wound if you can see glass embedded in the skin.
Use a clean, dry dressing or cloth to apply light pressure if the paw is bleeding. If the cut is small and superficial, rest and short lead walks may help reduce further irritation while it settles.
Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid muddy ground, rough paths or anything likely to reopen the cut for a day or two.
Monitor the paw closely over the next 24 to 48 hours. If it becomes more swollen, painful, red or starts to ooze, it would be sensible to get it checked.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the cut is deep, keeps bleeding, has glass stuck in it, is on a weight-bearing part of the paw, or if your dog is limping a lot or seems very uncomfortable. It's also worth getting advice if the wound looks dirty, opens up again, or doesn't seem to be improving within a day or so.
Related Questions
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.