[Dailydrool] Our experience with a paw sore

[Val Brewer]

About 6 months ago, Harley had a hot spot on the top of one toe, which he kept 
licking, licking, licking.

Here are the things we tried that DIDN'T work: tree oil (recommended by a 
drooler--smells like turpentine and is supposed to be too noxious to 
lick--Harley's foot swelled to twice its normal size so we had to stop this; 
probably an allergic reaction on his part); baby socks (Harley just pulled them 
off--we did not use vet wrap at the tops, though). booties with velcro closures 
and a sock over them to keep Harley from pulling open the velcro (would stay on, 
but there is no ventlation, so the insides got very hot and sweaty and the sore 
wouldnt heal); cortisone and antibiotic ointments (Harley would just lick them 
off. Our vet later told us not to use ointments on hot spots as they keep the 
sore moist rather than drying it out).

Here is what worked: A soft "comfy cone". This is kind of like an e-collar, 
except that it looks like a piece of cardboard covered in nylon and folds and 
bends such that the dog can lie down and get through doggie doors (unlike the 
hard plastic ones). These are sold at Petco type places. I still had to 
remove the soft cone and supervise eating and drinking, but otherwise left it 
on. I also took it off for leash walks. The medicine for the foot that the vet 
suggested was like Bactine spray--antiseptic that dried the sore rather than 
keeping it wet (like the ointment we had been using before). With the soft 
"comfy cone" and the drying antiseptic, the sore cleared up in a week. Hope this 
helps. Val


      
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