How to Clean a Dog's Broken Nail
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Introduction
Broken nails can be painful and dangerous. Your dog can break his nails by merely walking or playing. Keeping those paws well groomed can help to prevent cracks and breaks.
When a nail does break it could potentially break a couple of different ways. Either it will spit, leaving an open nail and exposed quick, or it could snap at an angle. Both of these breaks could snag carpet, bedding, furniture, and even grass, causing more pain and bleeding.
Many toe injuries cause excessive bleeding and cleaning is imperative to inspect the entire paw and to assess and treat the injury.
Dog's Perspective
The Water and Trim Method
The Clean and Wrap Method
Caution & Considerations
- Because of the amount of bleeding a broken toenail could cause, broken nails are commonly seen in the animal emergency rooms.
- Cleaning as much of the nail as you can at home could save you a trip to the animal hospital or ER, which, in turn, could save you money as well.
- As with other wounds, hold pressure to the area to stop or control the bleeding.
- With slower blood flow, a styptic powder or even baking soda can help stop the bleeding.
- Once you have cleaned the nail, you’ll need to assess the nail and cut or wrap it as it heals so it doesn’t continue to snag while your dog walks.
- Your dog will want to lick the area. You can allow a bit of licking to satisfy his instinct, but don’t allow him to over lick and do not allow licking at all if you are applying ointments and creams.
- Watch for potential infections.
- Redness, swelling, or pus are indicators the nail might be infected, and a trip to your veterinarian might be required.
- With time and attention in most cases, the nail should regrow within a few weeks.
Conclusion
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Bella joe
I noticed that her nail fell off when I started looking her nails look like its hallow and stuffed with mud doesn't seem to be in pain but worried
0 Dog owners recommended
Hi Dana, I would take Bella Joe to the veterinarian to have the nail checked, especially since you say that it has fallen off. The vet will clean it properly and make sure that there is no infection present. An infected nail can be very painful for your dog - we want to avoid this at all costs. It's a good idea to find out why this happened as well; for example, Bella Joe could have caught it on something or she could be lacking certain nutrients, making her nails weak. Good luck!
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Bruce broke his nail today, I finally stopped the bleeding and have now cleaned the area and placed a sock over his foot. I will clean again tomorrow and replace the sock, how long should I keep repeating this process? Should I expect it to start bleeding again?
0 Dog owners recommended
Hello, I would clean and cover the foot for two days, no longer. Afterward, keep the foot clean from dirt and debris. However, I am not a vet so I would recommend that you consult a vet if the nail continues to bleed, continuously bleeds upon movement, or looks sore and inflamed. Antibiotics may be needed if the injury doesn't clear up. There is the opportunity to ask a vet a question right here on the site. Take a look at this nail injury guide and the option to ask a vet is at the bottom of the page. https://wagwalking.com/condition/torn-toenail. All the best to Bruce!
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My dogs nail on the front toe turned black and cracked very bad it was hanging off and I was afraid of it getting caught in something so I cut it off cleaned it and sprayed some disinfectant on the toe it looks pretty ugly but my Dog dusnt seem to be in pain how long will it take for to recover and nail grow back he's a running dog competes in lurcher racing
0 Dog owners recommended
Hello, I have attached a guide on nail disorders. You will see at the top of the page that there is the opportunity to "Ask a Vet". I think your question is best posed there, just in case they have an idea why the nail is black. This is the link to the guide where you can message the vet: https://wagwalking.com/condition/claw-and-nail-disorders. If in the meantime, Walker appears to be in pain or the nail becomes odorous, take Walker to see his vet right away. Good luck and all the best to Walker!
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