Nail grinding is a common alternative to clipping for trimming dog nails. It uses an abrasive surface to file down nails slowly and smoothly. Many pet owners prefer grinders because they reduce the risk of cutting into the quick, which can cause bleeding and pain. However, it’s still possible for grinding to cause nails to bleed if proper precautions aren’t taken.
In this article, we’ll discuss the anatomy of dog nails, why they may bleed during grinding, risk factors, how to prevent bleeding, what to do if it occurs, aftercare, and when to seek veterinary assistance. The goal is to provide dog owners with a comprehensive guide to safely and effectively grinding dog nails without bleeding.
Anatomy of Dog Nails
A dog’s nails consist of several parts that serve important functions (Lucky Tail, 2023):
- The nail bed is the soft tissue under the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. It extends into the quick, which is the living part inside the nail.
- The quick contains nerves and blood vessels that supply nutrients to the nail. If the quick is cut too short, it will bleed.
- The nail plate is the hard outer part of the nail made of keratin that protects the quick underneath.
Understanding the different structures of a dog’s nail is important for safely trimming them without hitting the quick, which could cause pain and bleeding.
Why Do Dogs’ Nails Bleed?
Dog nails have a blood vessel called the quick running through them. The quick supplies nutrients and oxygen to the nail to help it grow (1). Only the quick contains blood vessels – the rest of the nail is made up of dead keratin cells similar to human hair and nails.
When trimming or grinding a dog’s nails, it’s important to avoid hitting this quick or cutting it, as that will cause bleeding. The quick recedes as the nail is trimmed over time, so keeping nails trimmed regularly helps avoid issues (1). If the quick is cut or hit with a grinder, it will bleed until a clot forms to stop the blood flow.
Risk Factors for Bleeding
There are certain factors that make dogs more prone to nail bleeding when grinding their nails.
Overgrown nails are one of the biggest risk factors. The longer a dog’s nails grow, the farther back the quick extends. This gives less margin for error when grinding nails down to an appropriate length. According to PetMD, trimming overgrown nails too short is the most common cause of bleeding [1].
Darker nails also increase risk since the quick is harder to see and judge where to stop grinding. Older dogs tend to have less flexible nails that are more prone to cracking and splitting. Additionally, dogs with health conditions like arthritis may have thinner nails that are more fragile.
Knowing the risk factors can help determine extra precautions to take for dogs prone to bleeding when grinding their nails.
Using a Nail Grinder
When using an electric nail grinder, it’s important to follow proper techniques to avoid catching or injuring the quick. Select a lower speed setting, usually around 6,000 to 10,000 RPM, for dogs new to nail grinding. High speeds can heat up the nail quickly leading to discomfort. Work at slower speeds until your dog is comfortable with the feeling and sound of the tool. Always keep one hand on your dog’s paw to avoid sudden jerky movements.
Use smooth, light back-and-forth filing motions across the nail instead of holding the grinder in one place. Apply gentle pressure and keep the grinder moving to slowly wear down the nail a little bit at a time. The proper technique is to hold the grinder at a 45 degree angle to the nail and lightly file across the tip. Make sure the grinder guard is always in full contact with the nail to prevent catching the quick.
Take short 3-5 second passes over each nail before checking your progress. Look for the gray oval inside the nail that indicates where the quick starts. Stop grinding before you reach this area. Trimming a little at a time over multiple sessions is safer than trying to remove too much at once. Go slowly and reward your dog frequently for cooperating. Proper use of the nail grinder requires patience but reduces the risks of hitting the quick and bleeding.
Preventing Bleeding
There are several ways to help prevent bleeding when using a nail grinder on your dog:
Take breaks – Grinding down the nail little by little rather than all at once can help prevent hitting the quick. Stop every 30-60 seconds to check progress and allow the nail time to cool down.
Know when to stop – Be careful not to grind the nail down too short. A good rule of thumb is to stop when you see a grayish dot appear in the center of the nail, as this indicates you are nearing the quick. Only grind off small amounts at a time.
Use styptic powder – Have some styptic powder or gel on hand. This helps constrict blood vessels and stop bleeding if you do hit the quick. Kwik Stop is one commonly recommended brand. Apply it to the nail tip gently if bleeding occurs.
Proper technique – Holding the paw properly and carefully can prevent slipping that leads to cuts. Go slow and gently to avoid grinding into the quick.
With patience and practice using the grinder carefully, most bleeding can be avoided altogether.
What to Do If Bleeding Occurs
If your dog’s nail begins bleeding after using a grinder, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to stop the bleeding:
First, apply firm pressure on the nail with a clean cloth or paper towel. Maintain pressure for 3-5 minutes to help the blood clot and bleeding stop. If blood soaks through, don’t remove it – just place another cloth on top and keep applying pressure (1).
Next, use a styptic powder or pencil specially formulated to help stop bleeding. Gently dab it onto the nail tip taking care not to get any inside the wound. The powder helps constrict blood vessels. Styptic products can be found at many pet supply stores (2).
You may also want to wrap a light bandage around the paw to protect the nail. Make sure it’s not too tight. Remove the bandage after a few hours once bleeding stops (3).
With the proper first aid response, bleeding caused by nail grinding should stop fairly quickly. Just remain calm and continue applying pressure until it subsides.
Aftercare
After using a nail grinder on your dog, it’s important to monitor and care for their nails to prevent any issues. Here are some tips for proper aftercare:
Monitor the nail closely over the next few days. Make sure there is no redness, swelling, discharge or other signs of infection. The nail should remain clean and dry. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any problems. Check for any bleeding or oozing, which would indicate the nail’s quick was cut too short. Apply styptic powder or a styptic pencil if this occurs to stop bleeding.
Keep the nail clean by gently wiping with a damp cloth or antiseptic wipe once a day. Do not get the nail wet for 24-48 hours after grinding to allow the nail time to seal. Avoid letting your dog run around on dirty or wet ground during this time.
Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the tip of the nail for a few days after grinding. This helps keep the nail protected.
Schedule regular nail grinding sessions every 2-4 weeks to maintain short nails. This prevents overgrowth andavoids taking off too much at once, which can increase bleeding risk.
Be very careful grinding nails in elderly dogs or dogs with health conditions, as their nails may be more fragile. Work closely with your veterinarian if your dog has any issues.
With proper technique and aftercare, nail grinding can safely and effectively trim your dog’s nails.
When to See the Vet
If your dog’s nail continues bleeding excessively after trying home remedies, it’s important to seek veterinary care. Excessive bleeding that lasts more than 20-30 minutes after a nail trim or grind could signal an underlying clotting disorder. Your vet can help determine the cause and treat any underlying conditions.
Signs of infection after a nail injury include redness, swelling, discharge, foul odor, and fever. Infections require antibiotic treatment to prevent worsening. Leaving them untreated can allow the infection to spread. An infected nail may need to be removed entirely.
Veterinary care is also advised for nails ground too short that expose the quick. The vet can cauterize the wound and treat it with antibiotics. Exposed quicks are prone to infection. They may also be painful, especially if contacting surfaces when walking. In severe cases, the toe bone could be affected.
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to excessive nail bleeding or signs of infection in dogs. Your vet can properly assess the injury, provide any needed treatment, and help prevent complications. Don’t delay seeking veterinary care if home remedy attempts don’t resolve the bleeding quickly.
Conclusion
In summary, while nail grinding can cause a dog’s nails to bleed if done improperly, this risk can be minimized by taking certain precautions. Start by understanding the anatomy of the nail and being able to identify the quick. Go slowly when grinding, taking frequent breaks to check the nail. Use a grinder that is specifically designed for pets, with adjustable speed and guard. Keep the grinder moving constantly and apply minimal pressure. Examine the nail frequently and stop immediately if bleeding occurs. With proper technique and care, nail grinding can be done safely without bleeding. Nail grinding, when done correctly, is a safe and effective way to trim your dog’s nails.
