Introduction
A dog’s nails are made up of living tissue and have a complex anatomy. Understanding the basic structure of a dog’s nails can help owners better care for their health and regrowth when needed. A dog’s nail consists of the outer shell, quick, and nail bed.[1] The outer part of the nail that we see is composed of keratin, the same protein that makes up human fingernails. Inside the hard nail is the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels that supply nutrients to the nail. The quick extends from the nail bed at the base of the toe into the nail itself. As the nail grows, the quick recedes back towards the nail bed.[2] The nail bed contains the nail matrix which produces keratin and allows the nail to continuously grow. Knowing this anatomy helps owners avoid hitting the quick when trimming nails and properly care for nails if they crack or break.
[1] https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/nail-anatomy-101-keep-trims-safe-not-scary/
[2] https://toegrips.com/dog-toenail-anatomy/
Causes of Broken or Damaged Nails
Dog nails can become damaged or broken for several reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
– Trimming too short – Cutting the nail too close to the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves, is a frequent cause of broken nails in dogs. Even with caution, overtrimming can happen easily, especially with dark nails where the quick is harder to see.
– Getting caught or snagged – Active dogs that run and play outdoors can catch a nail on a variety of surfaces, like rocks, grass, carpet, or concrete, resulting in a torn or split nail. Even indoor dogs can get nails caught on furniture or bedding.
– Injuries – Direct trauma to a nail from a hard impact or compression, like a door slamming on a paw, can crack or break the nail. Similarly, nails hit by falling or dropped heavy objects may break under the force.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/first-aid-broken-nails-dogs
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-broken-nails-in-dogs
Signs of Nail Damage
There are several signs indicating your dog may have a broken or damaged nail, including:
Bleeding – If the quick of the nail (the blood vessel inside) is damaged, it will bleed, often significantly. The amount of blood loss will depend on the severity of the break. Even small cracks in the nail that expose the quick can cause some bleeding.
Limping or licking at the paw – Your dog may start limping, holding their paw up, or excessively licking at the injured nail due to pain and discomfort. The more painful the break, the more pronounced the limping will be.
Sensitivity – Dogs with broken nails are often very sensitive around the nail bed. They may whimper or cry if you touch the broken nail or the surrounding paw area. The quick of the nail is full of nerve endings so any damage results in sensitivity and pain.
The more severe the nail damage, the more pronounced these symptoms will be. Even small fissures or cracks warrant close monitoring, as they can worsen if left untreated. Any bleeding, limping, licking or sensitivity could signal a broken or damaged nail.
When to See the Vet
In most cases, a broken or damaged nail that is not bleeding heavily can be treated at home without a trip to the vet. However, there are certain situations where you should seek veterinary care right away:
If the nail is bleeding profusely and you cannot get it to stop after applying pressure for 5-10 minutes, you should see the vet immediately. Uncontrolled bleeding can quickly lead to blood loss which can be very dangerous for dogs (PetMD).
If your dog is limping or licking excessively at the nail, it could be a sign of a fracture or infection developing. Limping indicates pain while excessive licking shows discomfort. Infected broken nails require antibiotics so see the vet promptly if you notice these signs (VCA Hospitals).
Any time the nail is fully torn off or hanging by a small piece, veterinary assistance is recommended. The open wound is at high risk of becoming infected without proper cleaning and bandaging.
Stages of Regrowth
A dog’s nail goes through several stages as it regrows after being damaged or removed:
Scab Formation
In the first few days after the nail is damaged, a scab will form over the nail bed to protect it. According to WagWalking, the scab contains special cells that help the nail regrow and prevent infection.
New Nail Growing Underneath
Within about 1-2 weeks, a new nail will start growing under the scab, as noted by PawSafe. The new nail is soft and fragile initially.
Old Nail Falls Off
Over the next several weeks, the old damaged nail will gradually detach and fall off as the new nail pushes it up and takes its place. This process allows the new nail to fully harden and strengthen. The old nail should detach once the new nail has grown out the appropriate length.
The overall timeline varies depending on factors like the dog’s health and age, but the nail regrowth stages remain consistent.
Regrowth Timeline
The regrowth timeline for a dog’s broken or damaged nail can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the injury. Here’s what to expect:
For a nail that was cut too short into the quick, exposing the blood vessel, full regrowth usually takes 4-6 weeks. The nail will initially scab over and gradually grow out over this timeframe.
If the nail was partially broken or cracked, but still attached, full regrowth may take approximately 6-8 weeks. The damaged part will shed off as a new nail pushes through.
For nails that were completely ripped out, either from trauma or improper trimming, the regrowth timeline is 2-3 months. This is because the nail bed itself is severely damaged and must regenerate.
In rare cases of traumatic injury to the nail bed, full regrowth can take up to 6 months. Veterinary treatment may be required in these instances.
While waiting for nails to grow back, it’s important to keep them clean and protected. The regrowth stages can seem long, but try to be patient, as rushed regrowth can lead to deformities.
Caring for Nails During Regrowth
Proper care during the nail regrowth process is crucial for healing. According to Dog Nail Care Guide, the most important aspects of caring for nails during regrowth are:
- Keeping the nail clean and dry. Use a cone if needed to prevent licking and infection. Gently clean with a damp cloth.
- Avoid trimming the nail until fully regrown. Trimming can disturb the healing process.
- Manage pain with over-the-counter medications if recommended by your vet. This provides comfort during regrowth.
Following veterinary instructions for medications and bandaging is also essential. Check for signs of infection like swelling, redness, or discharge. Contact your vet if you have any concerns during the regrowth process.
Preventing Future Damage
Proper nail trimming technique is crucial for avoiding future nail damage. Instead of clipping the nail with clippers, try filing it down with an emery board or nail file. This allows you to gradually shorten the nail a small amount at a time, reducing the risk of hitting the quick and causing trauma. Always file in one direction, avoiding a back-and-forth motion. Only file a little bit each day until the desired length is reached.
When using clippers, caution is key. Trim only the very tip of the nail, snip by snip. The clippers should be positioned perpendicular to the nail, not at an angle. After each snip, check to see if the quick was hit. It’s advised to trim nails after a bath when the quick is more visible. Additionally, invest in clippers designed specifically for dogs, as these allow better precision and control.
Other safety precautions include avoiding trimming when your dog is agitated or moving around. Have styptic powder or cornstarch on hand to stop bleeding if you do nick the quick. Consider having someone assist you by comforting the dog and holding the paw steady. With patience and the proper technique, nail trims don’t have to be stressful events for dogs or owners.
When to Trim Nails After Regrowth
It’s important to wait until the nail is fully hardened again before trimming. This can take a few months. Trimming too soon can damage the regrowing nail and prolong the regrowth process. According to VCA Hospitals, you should allow 2-3 months for complete regrowth of a broken nail before attempting to trim it[1]. Rover.com similarly recommends waiting 8-12 weeks before trimming a damaged nail to allow full regrowth[2]. During this waiting period, carefully monitor the nail and trim only if overgrowth becomes excessive enough to cause gait abnormalities or pain. Otherwise, patience is key. When it’s finally time for the first trim after regrowth, take it slow and only snip small amounts at a time until you reach the desired length. With cautious, gradual trimming, you can get the nail back to a healthy length without risking any damage to the new nail.
Seeking Veterinary Care
In some cases, it’s important to seek veterinary care for a damaged nail instead of waiting for it to regrow on its own. According to Vet Derm Clinic, you should take your dog to the vet if the nail is bleeding significantly, is partially or fully torn off, shows signs of infection like redness/swelling/pus, or is causing significant pain or lameness.
Underlying medical conditions may also require veterinary treatment to support healthy regrowth. These include hormonal imbalances, infections, trauma, abnormalities, and autoimmune disorders, among others. Nail or skin cancers, if suspected, also warrant an immediate vet visit.
Furthermore, dogs who are at high risk of complications or who have special medical needs may benefit from professional veterinary care during the regrowth process. Your vet can assess the nail damage, provide medications for pain/infection if needed, and monitor the regrowth timeline and health of the nail bed.
In summary, it’s best to visit your vet promptly if the nail injury is severe, infected, involves underlying conditions, or if your dog requires medications or additional medical support. This helps ensure proper treatment and healthy, successful nail regrowth.