Just looking for some reasurrance here.

Took Trink out to potty this evening, and she started limping on the way in. Once inside where I could see, I found that she had a small cut on her paw (not on the pad, but the smooth part above the big back pad on the bottom). Looks like she stepped on a sharp rock. Now, I go barefoot a lot, and I know that those hurt, but generally I just wash them, leave them alone if they aren't bleeding, maybe stay off it a bit, and they heal up in a few days. I'm inclined to take the same approach with Trink. Right move?

Actually, I am thinking that I need to brush up on my dog first aid. Apparently greyhounds get a lot of minor cuts on their legs. They over-reach when the run, and wind up kicking themselves. And they can be pretty determined to run on surfaces that aren't very forgiving. So... any websites/books that would give me a good basic idea of what I can treat on my own, what doesn't actually need any treatment, and what needs to see a vet?

Usually I do no more than clean up minor cuts and scrapes. Years ago my dog tore off a chunk of skin about an inch by 2 inches. I took him to a vet and had it bandaged. He tore it off. The vet didn't seem worried about it. I have mostly been lucky and not had many problems. I guess if something was bleeding or even just a big or deep cut, I would take it to a vet.

My dog cut all 4 of its paws on some rocks in a river, the dog couldn't even get up. I just cleaned the cuts and put some pads on the paws so she could walk and she healed up in a couple days and is back to normal.

Froggy, if it is bleeding a little bit, just use a cotton or gauze pad with a little hydrogen peroxide on it and clean it. Should be fine.

Regarding books, I have a couple that are older and probably out of print. When you have a chance, go to your local Barnes & Noble or Bordersbooks and look at the pet section. You should find a few First Aid for Dogs/Pets books. Buy one that is written by a veterinarian. You are right to think about this kind of stuff. The books do come in quite handy. They will tell you what you should keep on hand in your medicine cabinet and give you direction on what to do for all kinds of problems.

I use peroxide and pour it onto the affected area, then I use a little neosporin maximum strength with pain reliever and apply it by the means of a q tip. Another thing I use a lot is "blue lotion" this is available at farm supply stores. It kills germs, and makes a covering to keep flies off the affected area. The blue lotion is a deep purple color, available in pump and aresol containers. The pump works best, because the aresol cans hissing sound as it is being used can spook your dog, I guess they think it is a snake when they hear the hissing sound. The blue lotion also will stain you, your clothes and anything else it gets on. But is a good all around first aid treatment. It says for animal use only, but I have been out coon hunting, get a nasty scrape, or small cut. Get out the blue lotion and give it a little spray.