Since dogs love playing outside, it is common for a thorn or splinter to get stuck in their paws.If this happens, your dog will limp or hesitate to step.Treatment for this injury is usually simple.Your dog should make a full recovery after a thorough cleaning and removal of the thorn.
Step 1: Speak in a soothing tone while petting your dog.
Your dog won't know that you're trying to help.The first thing you should do is calm the dog down so you can inspect the wound.For a few minutes, pet the dog in his favorite spot.You can remove the thorn when he calms down.
Step 2: Give your dog something to eat.
You can give your dog a treat while you look at the wound.While the dog is preoccupied, this will distract him and allow you to take the necessary first aid steps.You want a treat that will keep your dog busy for a while, so some are better than others.Milk bones.Even if the bone is large, most dogs can eat bone milk in a few bites.These are probably not going to work in this situation.The bones are rawhide.Since the bones take longer to chew, this is a more long-term option.If the bone breaks into small pieces, rawhide can be hazardous to your dog, but this shouldn't be an issue.Your dog won't be able to chew this much until you finish working on the paw.There is a toy with peanut butter.You can put a treat or peanut butter inside a dog toy that is hollow.If you put peanut butter in one of the toys, your dog will want to lick it all out.
Step 3: Someone is going to hold the dog.
Pulling out the thorn will be painful and your dog will try to pull away.If someone is around to hold the dog in place, it will be a big help.There are several ways to restrain a dog.Where the wound is will affect the position you hold your dog in.The most important part of restraining the dog is controlling his mouth.Even if your dog is friendly and has never bitten anyone before, it can turn aggressive when it is scared and in pain.He may bite if you touch the wound.The holder needs to keep his hand over the dog's mouth.Light pressure is used when restraining the dog.Apply more pressure if he starts to struggle.If he doesn't struggle, you'll press down with less force.
Step 4: If necessary, muzzle your dog.
If they're in pain, animals respond badly to being restrained.There is a chance that this could be dangerous for you and everyone around.If your dog is acting aggressive, muzzle him.gauze wrap can be used for a makeshift muzzle if you don't have a muzzle.
Step 5: If your dog is out of control, don't move.
If your dog is in pain, he might respond violently.Don't try to keep him restrained.You could hurt yourself and your dog.If he will calm down on his own, leave him alone.Call your vet and see what he has to say.
Step 6: Find the thorn.
You probably know which paw the thorn is in because your dog wasn't putting it down, but you have to find its exact location.The paw should be inspected after the dog is safely restrained.If you need a flashlight, use it.If you're having trouble finding the thorn, look in between the toes.There could be foreign objects here.
Step 7: The area should be washed with soap and water.
You want your dog's paw to be free of infections.It could take a few visits to the vet for the healing process to be delayed.When you've found the thorn, wash it with soap and warm water.The warm water may make it easier to remove the thorn from the skin.
Step 8: A pair of tweezers should be sterile.
It's important to make sure the tweezers you're using are clean.If you want to kill any microbes, wipe them down with alcohol.
Step 9: The thorn needs to be pulled out.
As close to the dog's skin as possible, grasp the thorn with the tweezers.Pull the thorn out.Pulling quickly will cause pain, but it will ensure that the process ends quickly and your dog can start recovering.
Step 10: It's time to wash the area again.
You should wash the area after removing the thorn.You can use soap and water again.
Step 11: If it's still bleeding, wrap it.
Small puncture wounds will stop bleeding quickly and won't require wrapping.If the wound is larger and bleeds, wrap the paw with gauze.Start by drying the wound.A moist environment is favorable for growth ofbacteria.A sterile, non-stick pad is placed over the wound.Wrap the paw with a non-stick bandage.Start from the toes and work up to the ankle joint.Wrap the bandage with tape.Continue this up about an inch past where the bandage ends to make sure the dressing stays on your dog's paw.
Step 12: If necessary, go to the vet.
If you have trouble getting the thorn out, wrapping the wound, stopping the bleeding, or suspect something is wrong, call your vet.He can inspect the wound and take care of any issues if he schedules an appointment.
Step 13: There are signs of infection.
After you remove the thorn, be careful with your dog.If you see any of the symptoms, take him to the vet.There was redness around the wound area.Pus is discharged from the wound.There is a hot feeling around the wound.If the dog is suddenly limping or refusing to put the paw down.
Step 14: Your dog's nails need to be trimmed.
A dog's nails can get caught on something and be cut or pulled out.This injury can cause an illness.Keeping your dog's nails trimmed will prevent it.There are instructions on how to care for your dog's nails.Ask your vet if he can do this during your checkup.
Step 15: Take care of your dog's paws.
The pads on your dog's feet are very susceptible to injury because they go through a lot of wear and tear.There are cuts, cracks, and tears in the pads.If you find any small injuries, talk to your vet to make sure they don't get worse.
Step 16: Protect your dog with protective footwear.
Several brands of footwear are designed to protect your dog's feet.It's a good idea to look into these if you live in an area with a lot of rough terrain.The staff at your local pet store can give you a recommendation.
Step 17: You should clean your yard.
You can make sure that your property is free of danger if you take your dog for a walk with sharp objects.Search your lawn and yard for sharp objects that could hurt your dog.This can help save your dog's life.