A wound that is deep, gaping, or does not stop bleeding after a few minutes of firm pressure needs a vet, not a plaster. Ring ahead and keep the pressure on while you travel.
Cuts and grazes are the most common injury to happen on a walk, and most look more dramatic than they turn out to be once the mud and blood are cleaned away.
Cleaning a cut safely
Rinse a cut with clean water or dog-safe saline. Avoid using tap-water-soaked cotton wool, which sheds fibres that can stick to the wound. Also avoid antiseptic creams or wipes not made for dogs. Pat the area dry, and securely cover it with a pad (especially important when it's somewhere your dog can easily lick).
How to stop bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth to the source of the bleeding. Hold steadily rather than lifting repeatedly to check. If possible, elevating an injured paw can help. Avoid tying anything tightly around a limb, as this could stop blood flow completely and result in severe damage to living tissue.
Signs to watch for
Step by step
Stop and check before you move on
Have a proper look, ideally in good light (use your mobile phone torch if relevant). Small grazes often look worse than they are once the mud is cleaned off.
Rinse, don't scrub
Pour clean water or dog-safe saline over the wound. Scrubbing or applying strong antiseptic can do more harm than good.
Apply firm, steady pressure
Holding a clean cloth or dressing in place, without lifting to check, is what actually stops the bleeding.
Pad and protect a paw
A sock and vet wrap, fitting snug but not tight enough to cut off circulation, can help protect a paw pad on the walk back.
Get it properly checked if in doubt
Deep cuts often need dressing changes or stitches, and require care from a vet.
Dogs are generally tough animals, good at hiding how much something hurts. A dog that's happily walking on a badly injured paw might actually need further treatment so best to consider whether to call a vet.