Mickey cut his paw [quick question]

[primabella]

This isn't anything serious but I thought I would post it anyways because I have a question...

Yesterday Mickey was taking one of his crazy sprints in the yard and we noticed that his paw was bleeding. We think he must have cut it on a rock or something. We found a pretty long cut on the pad of his paw. It stopped bleeding last night but it's obvious that it bothers him.

I was just curious, is it bad to allow him to lick it? I was thinking it isn't because it may irritate it but then again, maybe he is helping to clean it...? Please help.

Thanks

[lovemyshiba]

I'm no expert, and I'm sure you'll hear from those more experienced than I am, but I think him licking it is ok.

Last year, when Kito and Abbey had a small tiff, she gave him a bite in his leg that bled a little--he licked at it, and I never put anything on it, and it healed up fine.

Poor Mickster--I hope it heals quickly for him.

[tatsxxx11]

I agreee with Emily. I'm sure this is something instinctive; attempts to keep it clean and to soothe it. I'd keep an eye on it, keep in clean and make sure there's no bleeding, oozing or signs of infection. I think he should be fine. Those paws are tough! Feel better soon, Mickey!

[KYS]

Sending get well paw wishes to Mickey.

I'm not experienced,
but Rocky for some reason always seems to cut or irratate
his paw area. (from all that hunting he does)
Sometimes I will find dried blood on the patio.
I never usually notice it on his paw, because by the time
I see it, the paw has already stopped bleeding and is clean.

He recently cut the inside of his toe,
and he kept on licking till
he made it raw.
In that case, I had to put some neosporin on it,
and wrap it with breathable cloth for 24 hours.
(That seemed to do the trick and he forgot about
licking it, and it healed on it's own)

[stacwase]

I agree. Even though their mouths contain a lot of bacteria, he's keeping the area much cleaner than if he didn't lick it. Plus the bacteria in his mouth are his own and much less dangerous to him than bacteria he may pick up while walking around. I think that the dog's natural instinct to lick wounds keeps them healthy.

[tatsxxx11]

Thanks Karen!! Forgot to mention perhaps a little Neosporin! I forgot that our very own Rocky has had major issues with his toe area and with his paw too! You're the expert here!!

[wolfsoul]

I agree to let him lick it. Dogs have saliva that kills bacteria, so his foot shouldn't get infected. Just make sure it doesn't become obsessive or it may become a behavioural problem.

[primabella]

Thanks guys. I was actually thinking it was okay to let him lick it. I'll keep an eye on it too and make sure it doesn't become obsessive.

Mickey thanks you guys for all the well wishes and the tips.

[KYS]

posted by tatsxxx11: I forgot that our very own Rocky has had major issues with his toe area and with his paw too>>>>

Major issues is right! and I'm not talking paws either. hehehe
Now Nurse Sandra, you are the resident Dr. on Pet Talk
when it comes to medical problems.

Prima, Keep us updated on Mickey and his boo boo paw!

[primabella]

Thanks. Just a little update, he seems fine now. When he first got hurt he would lift his paw up off the floor and sort of smell it but he hasn't done it since Sunday.