Paw injury in dogs: First aid, healing tips and proper care

If your dog is limping, licking its paws excessively, or avoiding walking, a paw pad injury could be the cause. As experts in natural animal health at EnviWell, we know from daily experience that paw pad injuries are among the most common paw problems in dogs. They are extremely painful, often overlooked in thick fur, and, if treated incorrectly, take significantly longer to heal than many owners realize.

What exactly is a ball of the foot injury?

Your dog's paw pads are made of tough yet delicate skin tissue. They act as shock absorbers, protect the bones of the foot, and help with traction and balance. A paw pad injury means that this protective layer of skin is damaged by cuts, tears, abrasions, or foreign objects such as splinters.

Depending on the severity, such an injury can be extremely painful for your dog, especially because every step is taken on the injured tissue.

Rapid regeneration of the sensitive skin barrier is crucial now. In this article, you'll learn how to reliably recognize a paw pad injury and how to react correctly in an emergency. We'll also show you how proper care—such as our protective wound spray for dogs, "Paw Bliss" —can prevent cracks and effectively support healing so your dog can quickly walk pain-free again.

What causes paw pad injuries in dogs?

The causes of a hoof injury can be varied. Many can be traced back to environmental stimuli or mechanical stress.

Common causes of injury

• Sharp objects : Broken glass, thorns, nails or pointed stones often lead to cuts.
• Overuse : Long walks on rough asphalt or hot surfaces irritate the sensitive skin on the paw pads and can lead to abrasions or blisters.
• Abrasion due to lack of exercise : Especially in dogs with soft, untrained paw pads, even an unfamiliar strain (e.g. hiking) can lead to cracks.

Environmental factors and terrain

• Road salt in winter : It strongly irritates the hoof skin and causes micro-injuries.
• Hot asphalt surfaces in summer : The skin on a horse's heels can literally be "burned".
• Frozen or sharp-edged soils : Increased risk of surface or deeper cracks.

Types of ball injuries

• Cracks and fissures : Particularly common in winter or during dry periods.
• Cuts : From sharp objects or sharp ice.
• Bruises or contusions : from jumping or getting caught (e.g. between steps).

How can you recognize a ball of the foot injury?

Because dogs often instinctively try to hide pain, you need to pay close attention to changes in their behavior or movement. Typical symptoms include:

• Limp or favoring one paw
• Increased licking or biting at the affected area
• Avoidance of movement , stairs, or long walks.
• Redness, swelling, visible wounds or blood
• Sensitivity during scanning or paw care

If your dog walks noticeably cautiously or suddenly refuses to go for a walk, you should take a closer look at its paws immediately, especially between the toes and on the undersides of the pads.

First aid: What to do in case of an acute ball of the foot injury?

Acting quickly prevents infections. Proceed systematically:

How long does it take to heal a ball of the foot injury?

The healing time depends heavily on the type and depth of the injury:

• Minor abrasions : 3–7 days with good care
• Deep cracks or cuts : 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer
• Infected or chronic wounds : weeks to months, possibly with veterinary treatment.

Good protection of the paw - from dirt, moisture and renewed stress - is the most important factor for rapid healing.

What's really behind your dog's limp?

Sudden limping is a clear warning sign. But while one often immediately thinks of a visible paw pad injury , the causes are often more subtle. The paw is a sensitive structure, and pain can have many causes.

Often, it's small foreign objects that cause problems. Awns in summer or road salt and grit in winter tend to get stuck in the soft spaces between the toes and cause sharp pain with every step.

If no external wound is visible, a sprain , joint strain, or a painful nail bed infection could be the cause. Pay attention to whether your dog is licking its paw excessively. Constant licking often leads to a condition called lick granuloma in dogs . You can recognize this by a reddened, often hairless, and weeping area. It's a vicious cycle: pain leads to licking, and licking leads to inflammation.

When should you take your dog to the vet? If the limping lasts longer than 24 hours, the paw swells significantly, or the dog refuses to put weight on it, a veterinary examination is essential. Early diagnosis prevents a minor irritation from developing into a chronic condition.

When the wound just won't heal

Sometimes no improvement is seen even after several days. In such cases, you should check whether one of the factors hindering healing is present:

• Infection : Reddened, swollen or purulent areas, foul odor
• Re-stressing : Letting her run without a bandage too soon
• Allergic reaction : To wound ointment or dressing material
• Incorrect positioning of the paw , e.g., an unsuitable bandage.

In such cases, only an accurate diagnosis by a veterinarian will help, possibly with a swab, antibiotics or further wound treatment.

How can you prevent ball-of-the-foot injuries?

Prevention works best through regular paw care and proactive behavior - depending on weather and environment.

Paw check & care tips

• Check daily after walks: Owners often overlook small cracks.
• Keep the paw pad tissue supple with special paw balms.
• Trim long hairs between the pads of your feet to prevent dirt from getting trapped.

Plan your walks wisely

• In winter : Protect paw pads with paw balm, rinse off the salt after the walk.
• In summer : Check the asphalt, e.g. with a "heat test" using the palm of your hand.
• In the city : avoid broken glass and litter; it's better to walk on meadows or forest paths.

Tips for daily paw care

• Regular baths (paws) Remove dirt, road salt or allergens with lukewarm water.
• Paw creams Products containing soothing ingredients (e.g., calendula) can prevent cracks.
• In summer : Dry paws thoroughly after bathing, as wetness promotes cracks.
• In winter : Remove snow and ice from the fur between the toes more often during long walks.

Here's how to apply a paw bandage correctly.

It's helpful to familiarize yourself with the correct way to apply a paw bandage. In an emergency, this will save you valuable time and provide your dog with optimal protection.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Clean the wound
2. Apply a sterile compress
3. Wrap with padding bandage – also easily over the fetlock joint for secure fixation
4. Apply an elastic bandage over it , always applying even tension, do not constrict.
5. Hold your paw until everything is securely in place.
6. shoe or protective sock create, if available

You should avoid that.

• Bandages that are too loose: they slip or don't protect.
• Bandaging without prior wound inspection: infections are concealed
• Leave the bandage on for more than 24 hours without changing it
• No access to water sources; the bandage must not get wet.

In case of a ball of the foot injury: Here's what you should remember

Paw injuries in dogs are more common than you might think, and they're more serious than they initially appear. The faster you react, the better the chances of recovery. Watch for early signs like limping or excessive licking, clean the wound thoroughly, and apply a protective bandage if necessary. Don't hesitate to seek veterinary advice early on, especially if the condition doesn't improve quickly.

Even more importantly: With good paw care and preventative behavior, you can prevent many paw pad injuries from the start. At EnviWell you'll find high-quality grooming products for dogs .

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

What is a paw pad injury in a dog?

A paw pad injury is damage to the soft skin tissue on the underside of a dog's paw – the so-called pads. This includes tears, abrasions, cuts, bruises, or infections. These injuries usually result from overuse, sharp objects, or adverse weather conditions.

How can I tell if my dog ​​is suffering from a paw pad injury?

Watch for symptoms such as limping, sudden avoidance of walks, increased licking of one paw, or visible redness, wounds, or swelling on the paw pads. Unusual behavior after a walk can also be a sign.

How long does it take for a paw pad injury to heal in dogs?

Minor injuries often heal within a few days (3–7 days), while deeper cuts or infected wounds can take several weeks. The healing time depends heavily on the type of injury and the care provided.

What can I do to promote the healing of a ball of the foot injury?

Protect the wound from dirt and moisture, for example with a bandage and, if necessary, a dog boot. Use veterinarian-recommended ointments to promote wound healing and ensure the dog gets plenty of rest. Check the wound daily for signs of healing or worsening.

Why isn't my dog's paw pad injury healing?

Possible causes include an undetected infection, repeated stress, improper care, or allergic reactions to bandages or care products. In such cases, a veterinary examination is essential.

Can I give my dog ​​painkillers if he is suffering from a paw injury?

Never give your dog pain medication yourself. Many human medications are toxic to dogs. Only a veterinarian can prescribe suitable and safe pain medication for dogs.