Introduction
Nail health is extremely important for dogs. Dog nails provide traction and allow dogs to move comfortably on various surfaces. Nails also enable dogs to dig, grasp objects, and provide balance. However, dog nails are prone to injury, such as nail bleeding. This can occur from nails splitting, breaking, or being torn. Nail bleeding in dogs should always be taken seriously, as it can lead to pain, infection, and impaired mobility if left untreated.
When a dog’s nail starts bleeding, pet owners often wonder – can my dog still walk after nail bleeding? The answer depends on the severity of the injury. Minor nail bleeding may only require first aid and allow for normal activity. But more severe bleeding necessitates veterinary care and restricted activity during recovery. This article covers the causes, signs, treatment, aftercare, prevention, and reasons to see a vet for dog nail bleeding injuries.
What Causes Nail Bleeding in Dogs?
The most common cause of nail bleeding in dogs is from overly long nails that get traumatically torn or split. Dog nails that are allowed to grow too long can catch on surfaces and rip off, causing bleeding and pain (source). Long nails are also more prone to splitting down the middle when dogs are playing or going for walks, again leading to bleeding.
Another potential cause of nail bleeding is trauma from intense play or long walks on hard surfaces like concrete. The constant impact can damage nails and cause bleeding around the base or quick (source). Small tears and cracks in the nail from rough play or terrain can allow blood to seep out.
In some cases, bacterial or fungal nail infections can also lead to inflammation, bleeding, and discharge around the nails. Tumors of the nail bed, although rare, may also cause bleeding in dogs (source).
Signs of Nail Bleeding
There are several signs that indicate your dog may be experiencing nail bleeding:
Redness – The skin around the nail may appear red and inflamed if bleeding has occurred. This is a result of blood pooling around the nail bed.
Swelling – The toe or paw area may be swollen if bleeding and inflammation has set in. The swelling occurs as the body reacts to the bleeding.
Dripping blood – You may notice drops or trails of blood around your home if the nail is actively bleeding. Check your dog’s paws and nails to pinpoint the source.
Limping/licking paw – Dogs will often limp or favor the injured paw to avoid putting pressure on the sore nail. Excessive licking of the paw is also common as they try to soothe the pain.
Should a Dog Walk After Nail Bleeding?
Generally, it is not recommended to walk a dog immediately after nail bleeding. The main reason is that activity and pressure on the bleeding nail can cause further injury and pain. While light activity may be tolerable, a full walk is best avoided.
According to experts at TryFi, walking on a bleeding nail can cause additional pain and damage to the nail bed. They recommend rest and restricted activity after any nail bleeding episode to allow the nail time to start healing and the bleeding to fully stop.
Likewise, Chasing Tails advises rest and limited pressure on the paw after nail bleeding. They note that activity too soon after the injury can disrupt clotting and lead to continued bleeding and complications.
The key is to give the nail time to form a good clot and start healing before resuming normal activity levels. This helps prevent re-injury and promotes proper healing. Depending on severity, resting for even just an hour or two can make a big difference.
So in summary, while a short gentle walk may be possible after minor nail bleeding, a full normal walk is not recommended. Restricting activity allows the nail to heal and prevents further injury.
Treatment for Minor Nail Bleeding
If your dog has a minor nail bleed that is not gushing blood, there are a few at-home treatment options to stop the bleeding:
Apply pressure – Using a clean towel or cloth, apply direct pressure to the nail for 5-10 minutes until bleeding stops. Hold constant pressure without peeking to allow a clot to form (Toegrips.com).
Styptic powder – This powder quickly constricts blood vessels to stop bleeding. Apply a small amount directly to the nail according to package directions (DailyPaws).
Bandage – After stopping initial bleeding, wrap the paw in gauze or a light bandage, applying gentle pressure on nail area. Keep dry and change daily (VCA Hospitals).
Treatment for Severe Nail Bleeding
If your dog’s nail is bleeding profusely or the bleeding does not stop after 10-15 minutes of applying direct pressure, then they likely have a severe nail injury that requires veterinary attention. Severe nail bleeding often indicates the nail bed has been damaged or the nail has been partially or fully torn off.
In cases of severe nail bleeding or nail avulsion (detachment), you should take your dog to the vet immediately. The vet will examine the injury and determine the best course of treatment, which may include:
- Cauterization – Using a cautery device, the vet can burn the end of the nail to seal the blood vessels and stop bleeding. This is often the quickest way to stop profuse bleeding.
- Nail removal – If the nail is dangling by a small piece of skin or bone, the vet may recommend complete nail removal to control bleeding and prevent infection.
- Antibiotics – Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection, especially if any part of the nail remains.
- Elizabethan collar – Your dog may need to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking and chewing at the injured nail.
- Pain medication – The vet can provide pain relief medication after the procedure.
Veterinary care provides the best chance for stopping bleeding, protecting the nail bed, preventing infection, and managing pain. With severe nail injuries, at-home treatment is typically not sufficient. Contact your vet promptly if your dog experiences heavy nail bleeding that won’t cease or a partially detached nail. Sources: First Aid for Broken Nails in Dogs – VCA Animal Hospitals, What to Do if Your Dog Breaks or Tears a Nail – MedVet
Aftercare
After a nail bleeding incident, proper aftercare is crucial for your dog’s recovery. Here are some tips for aftercare following nail bleeding:
Rest: It’s important to limit your dog’s activity and encourage rest following nail bleeding. Take short, gentle walks for bathroom breaks but avoid strenuous exercise that could reopen the wound. Help your dog rest comfortably at home.
Antibiotics: Your vet may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection after severe nail bleeding. Make sure to give antibiotics exactly as directed for the full course.
Pain medication: Your vet may recommend pain relievers to keep your dog comfortable during recovery. Only give pet-safe medications under your vet’s guidance.
Bandage care: Any bandage over the injured nail needs to be kept clean and dry. Change bandages as directed and monitor for signs of irritation or infection.
Monitor for infection: Watch out for increased swelling, redness, pain or pus around the nail, which could indicate infection. Call your vet promptly if you notice signs of infection.
Following your vet’s aftercare instructions carefully can help promote smooth healing for your dog after nail bleeding.
Prevention
There are a few ways to help prevent nail bleeding in dogs:
Get regular nail trims. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed regularly will help avoid overgrowth and reduce the chance of hitting the quick. Aim to trim every 2-4 weeks depending on how fast your dog’s nails grow.
Avoid rough play on abrasive surfaces. Hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt can wear down nails quickly leading to a longer quick. Try to provide softer play spaces or booties during playtime.
Use dog shoes/booties. Booties protect your dog’s nails from getting worn down on walks. They distribute the pressure across the paw pad rather than focused on the nail tips.
Introduce nail trimming slowly. If your dog is anxious about trims, go very slowly with positive reinforcement. This will help avoid nicking the quick.
Know when to see a groomer. If your dog has dark or thick nails, a professional may be better equipped to avoid the quick. Don’t force trimming at home if it causes frequent bleeding.
When to See the Vet
If your dog experiences heavy nail bleeding that does not stop after applying direct pressure for 20-30 minutes, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Heavy blood loss can lead to anemia or other complications. Prolonged bleeding indicates a problem with clotting that needs to be addressed.
Any injury to the nail bed, such as a torn or ripped nail, also warrants an urgent vet visit. The nail bed contains many nerve endings and blood vessels. Damage to this area is extremely painful for dogs and can lead to infection.
Signs of a nail infection include redness, swelling, oozing pus, a foul odor, and a fever. An infected nail requires antibiotics and potentially the removal of part of the nail. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the bone, joint, or bloodstream which is life threatening.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to injured or bleeding nails. Your vet can properly assess the damage, provide pain management, and recommend the appropriate aftercare to promote healing. Don’t risk avoidable complications – a vet visit can prevent minor issues from becoming major ones.
Conclusion
Nail bleeding in dogs, while distressing, is usually manageable with prompt first aid and follow-up care. The keys are to act quickly, stop the bleeding, bandage and protect the injury site, and monitor your dog closely afterward. Severe nail injuries require veterinary attention to prevent ongoing blood loss and infection.
To help avoid nail bleeding and other injuries, keep your dog’s nails properly trimmed and filed. Use gentle handling techniques and safe nail clippers. With training and positive reinforcement, regular nail care can become a bonding activity.
While accidental nail splits or tears can happen despite our best efforts, knowing how to respond is critical. Don’t panic, but don’t delay – intervene right away to control bleeding and get your dog professional help if needed. With proper treatment and prevention, nails will heal and your dog can get back to walking and playing comfortably.