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

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Possibly. 

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Is that a spray? I will google. Thanks Lori!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No, Musher's Secret is a kind of protective waxy stuff people use to protect their dogs' feet in snow & ice, or on rocky ground when hiking. You definitely don't want to use it before Ben's foot heals completely. 

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Oh ok

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

sorry- I meant it as a question- that is if it would help prevent- not as advice for an already damaged pad.   I should have been clearer

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Joanna, salt water soaks help, too. 

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Wouldn't salt water sting?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You'd think so, but that's the advice I'm finding on-line. I think maybe my vet told me to use epsom salts, but I honestly can't remember. 

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Got it thank you! I tried to search online too but they weren't specific on the type of wound so I came here to DK :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It is hard to find info, I agree. I couldn't find it either when JD tore his pads.

Chlorhexidine is another solution I saw mentioned for cleaning the area. I think F has mentioned that before, too. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes, it's antibacterial.

[Christine & Camus]

My vet told me to soak Camus' paw in Epsom salts 2x daily.