Paw pad emergency

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hi All,
Bens been licking his foot so I looked at it to see why and a really thick layer is gone! Obviously it's bothering him and I was wondering what I'm supposed to do. It's Sunday so the vet is closed and thinking if I take him to the ER? My poor baby :(
See picture. Sorry I'm on my phone so I can only do attachment

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

I put a sock on him for now...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I've had this happen a couple of times to JD. I always did go to the ER, but in his case, it was all the pads on both front feet. You probably don't have to go. In JD's case, they cleaned and bandaged his feet, and gave me antibiotics. My regular vet unbandaged them, saying that it's imperative that air gets to them. He also told me to limit activity to brief leash walks for a few days. 

The pads re-granulate really quickly, but they must be kept clean and dry. Use a gentle cleaner on the area (it''s painful) and dry well. Cotton socks are fine, but don't bandage it. Greasy ointments really shouldn't be used, as they cause dirt & debris to stick to the wound. I used Old Navy baby socks, which are kind of thick and cushiony, and have non-skids on the bottom, for outside walks. Indoors, I left his feet uncovered. Maybe try a cortisone spray with an anesthetic agent to keep it from bothering him. If he licks it, you'll want to keep the socks on indoors, too. 

You will be surprised how fast it heals. I was. 

[Wendy and Myla]

I can't believe how much I learn on this site - this would really scare me!  What causes this to  happen???

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

We went on a hike yesterday. Maybe he stepped on something or maybe it was too hot. It was only 9am and hike was through dirt trails but maybe on the asphalt on the way home?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

In JD's case, it happens the first day out at the forest preserve dog park, just from running too much on dry pads that haven't been running on dirt, pavement, etc all winter and haven't had a chance to toughen up yet. 

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Thanks Karen. Omg I'm on the verge of tears right now... Ok breathing thank you so much. I will keep an eye on it and call my vet tomorrow

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Breathing is good. :-)

Maybe a glass of wine, too. ;-)

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

:D

[DJ & Chance]

Great advice for doodle and mom :)  Get well soon, Ben.

[Christine & Camus]

If he continues to lick, I would leave a cotton sock on even when inside.  You can secure the top of the sock with elastic bandage, the type that sticks to itself.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hi christine thanks:) he is keeping his sock on right now. I have small feet and my new cotton socks are pretty tight on me and fits him haha

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

So would Musher's Secret help in preventing this?