Hello everyone. I'm new to the board; it seems very informative and friendly. I have a samoyed mix who loves to run. To my absolute horror, she was hit by a car on Sunday after chasing a stray dog at the park into the street. I didn't see it happen because she had run over the hill out of sight. she ran straight back to me, but was limping a bit. I felt horrible and extremely guilty and foolish for putting my dog in danger.

I realize i am extremely fortunate that she had just minor injuries., no broken bones. I had immediately rushed her to the emergency hospital and she just had some road rash on her pads, and a very slightly bruised lung which the dr. said was not too serious. She is on antibiotics and has her front paw wrapped. He said to leave it on for 3 or 4 days then to take her to my regular vet for a check.

Does anyone know how long it takes a paw pad to heal? anyone have experience with this? She loves to run and we always go 3 miles a night, so she is getting a bit antsy. (she is 7, but very healhy and in great shape). he didnt put any stitches in the pad, but he said it was tore up. thanks for any info.

Hi W/C, welcome to the Forum! :)

Pads can take quite a long time to heal, 2 or 3 weeks isn't unknown :( Paw injuries are a real nuisance, because the dog should be kept to lead walking on smooth ground until it has healed. Pads are very difficult to stitch; sometimes vets use Superglue to hold the flaps of flesh together, and feet are awful bandaged, because you must keep them dry or they get infected within hours.

If you can keep it dry it will heal, but it won't be quick. Sorry.