paw/pads burned by fireworks

Hello,

I would strongly encourage you to take her to the vet. Five days is far too long to leave this unexamined, especially as she does not seem to be getting better.

She may have an infection and left untreated could spread to the bone.

I would wash this with cool water as much as she will allow. Perhaps you can have her step into a basin or place her in the tub. Rinse it gently, do not use any soap.

I would go to the pharmacy and purchase some neosporin and gauze and wrap her whole foot (not too tight) Do this up her leg and tie it.

Most likely she will hate this and try to chew it. The vet would have the right materials to dress this so she would be unable to do so,.

Another reason to go to the vet is that this wound might require debridement (surgical trimming) to facilitate healing,. This is often the case with burns.

I have two dogs know how upset you must be. If there is any chance that you can take her to the vet, please do so. My vet is opened for routine appointments on Sunday. Additionally, they have appointments until midnight every night and an answering service with immediate connection to a vet for night time emergencies. Perhaps, you might want to call around and see if you can find help tonight, or go first thing in the morning.

How much does much does your dog weigh? What breed and how old?

I am very concerned and am here to help you. I am in California, it is still early and I will make a point to check back with you until 10:30pm this evening & first thing in the morning.

Please, please do not hesitate to ask me any questions you may have.

I have bred and raised dogs for quite some time. Mostly Westies, but others as well.

Edited by Two_Westies on July 9 2006 at 7:51pm

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She (Reba) is a yellow lab, approximately 75-80 pounds, 5 years old. I will try the Neosporin and gauze. I live in northern MN, where, except for convenience stores, grocery stores and Walmart, NOTHING is open on Sunday. I had already decided to call my vet first thing in the morning. Right after she put her paw over the smoke ball firework, she barely limped or anything. She licks it almost constantly and it has gotten worse. Do you have any suggestion for pain relief? Could I give her an asprin or anything else?

You can give her one 325 mg aspirin tablet with food. I would suggest wrapping in cheese and make sure she has something else to eat.

Never use Tylenol as it is toxic to the liver. Never use Ibuprofen (Nuprin,Motrin, Advil etc) as it can be fatal if given in low doses. Do not use the enteric coated type of aspirin. Most of the time, the coating is not digested in dogs and the aspirin will be excreted in the stool.

Aspirin can be toxic if given in high doses. Even baby aspirin can be dangerous. One tablet every twelve hours is sufficient, but of course long term use is not recommended.

The vet will provide you with pain medication that is less harsh on Reba's stomach. Most likely the vet would prescribe Rimadyl which is really a better pain killer and anti-inflammatory than aspirin.

Some dogs tolerate aspirns well and others do not, just like humans.

She is licking because it hurts, that is the common reaction to injury, especially on the paw.

Please let me know how she makes put at the vet tomorrow.

Edited by Two_Westies on July 9 2006 at 8:53pm

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