Paw pad injuries are painful and can cause your dog discomfort if left untreated. But when done properly, paw pad injuries in dogs can heal quickly and painlessly with just a few days of rest and treatment. However, it’s important to note that there isn’t a fixed timeline for when paw pads will fully heal. It varies from dog to dog and depends on multiple factors including breed, age, size, weight, and overall health. In fact, your vet might recommend different treatments based on these variables. For example, if your dog is older than 10 years old, they could require a longer course of care than someone who’s younger and a smaller breed. That said, most paw pads will heal within two weeks and are usually back to normal within three weeks. That being said, some breeds like poodles, corgis, and dachshunds tend to heal faster than others. So, if you notice any signs of soreness, swelling, redness, or discoloration, consult your vet right away so they can help alleviate your pet’s discomfort. Here’s what you should do before seeing your veterinarian. First thing’s first – stop playing tug-of-war with your dog. If your dog was injured while playing, let them rest and stay off their feet until they’ve healed. Next, wash your dog’s paws thoroughly with warm water and soap. You can also use an antibacterial spray to clean their paws as well. After washing, gently inspect your dog’s paws to see if there’s any bleeding or bruising. Once you’ve cleaned and inspected your dog’s paws, wrap their feet in gauze bandages and put them in a large tub filled with warm water (not hot) to soak. It’s important to change the water every hour or so to ensure that your dog gets enough time soaking and doesn’t get cold! You can also give your dog something to drink during this time, but it’s not necessary. When you think your dog’s paws are ready to come out of the tub, remove the gauze bandage and dry their feet using a towel. Now that your dog’s paws are dried and ready to go, apply a topical cream or ointment to their feet and leave them alone for a couple of hours. After applying the treatment, check your dog’s paws again. They should be soft and clean without any blood or other discharge coming from their paws. Finally, follow up with your vet to ensure your dog’s paw pads are completely healed. The good news is that most paw pad injuries in dogs heal very quickly and painlessly with proper care. However, if you wait too long to visit your vet, your dog could end up with a permanent injury.