Introduction
Broken nails are a common injury in dogs that can range from minor to severe. While sometimes broken nails can be managed at home, other cases require veterinary attention. This article provides an overview of causes, signs, risks, treatment, recovery, and prevention of broken nails in dogs.
Causes of Broken Nails in Dogs
There are several common causes of broken nails in dogs, including:
Excessive exercise or play – Dogs that run, jump, and play vigorously can accidentally catch or smash their nails, causing them to split or break. Hard impacts on concrete or other hard surfaces seem to be particularly problematic.
Trauma or injury – Dogs can experience nail trauma from hard hits, crushing injuries, getting nails stuck in furniture or carpeting, car accidents, and other external forces. This type of blunt trauma can crack or fracture nails.
Long nails – Dogs with overgrown nails are more prone to cracking and breaking since longer nails are more likely to snag and get caught on surfaces. Keeping nails trimmed to a proper length can help prevent breaks.
Nutritional deficiencies – Brittle, weak nails that fracture easily may be a sign of deficiencies in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Discuss supplements with your vet.
Nail diseases – Some nail diseases like symmetrical onychomadesis can cause abnormal, brittle nail growth that chips and cracks more readily.
Signs of a Broken Nail
There are several signs that may indicate your dog has a broken nail. The most obvious sign is bleeding from the nail. Dogs have a blood vessel called the quick located inside their nails, so a broken nail often results in bleeding as the quick is exposed. The amount of bleeding can range from a few drops to heavy bleeding depending on the severity of the break.
Limping or refusing to bear weight on the affected leg is another common sign of a broken nail. The pain from the break causes dogs to limp or pick up the paw until the nail can be treated. Dogs may also excessively lick the injured paw in an attempt to clean it.
You may also notice your dog seems sensitive when the broken nail area is touched. Some swelling around the nail is possible too. Keep an eye out for any discharge or crusting around the nail as that could indicate infection.
According to PetMD, other signs of a nail injury include misshapen or deformed nails and increased brittleness (1).
Risks of an Untreated Broken Nail
Leaving a broken nail untreated in dogs can lead to several complications, including pain, infection, and permanent damage. According to PetMD, “infections can affect the bone underneath the nail and become quite severe” if a broken nail is not treated properly (1). The exposed quick and nail bed are prone to bacteria after a nail break, which can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic infection. MedVet explains that “a broken toenail left untreated can cause blood loss and pain for your pet” (2).
If the breakage has exposed the quick, it is likely to be very painful for the dog, especially when walking or bearing weight on the paw. WebMD notes that broken nails “typically happen due to accidental trauma” which can further damage the surrounding tissue (3). Permanent deformity or loss of the nail may occur if the fractured nail separates and fails to reattach properly. Overall, a broken nail should be seen by a veterinarian promptly to minimize risks and discomfort in dogs.
(1) https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/first-aid-broken-nails-dogs
(2) https://www.medvet.com/what-to-dog-if-your-dog-breaks-or-tears-a-nail/
(3) https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/what-to-do-when-your-dogs-nails-break-or-split
When to See the Vet
In most cases, a broken nail that is not bleeding severely can be treated at home. However, there are certain situations when you should take your dog to the vet right away. These include:
Severe Bleeding – If the broken nail results in excessive bleeding that you cannot stop with simple first aid like wrapping the paw in a towel, take your dog to the vet immediately. Severe bleeding can lead to blood loss which can be dangerous.
Signs of Infection – Signs like pus, redness, swelling, and warmth around the nail indicate infection. This requires antibiotics and treatment, so visit the vet promptly.
Nail Detached – If the broken nail is partly or fully detached, leaving the quick exposed, seek veterinary care. The vet will properly trim and medicate the exposed quick.
According to VCA Hospitals, contact your vet within 12-24 hours if your dog breaks or tears a nail so they can assess if antibiotics are needed to prevent infection.
Treating a Broken Nail at Home
If the nail is broken but not bleeding significantly, you may be able to treat it at home. The first step is to stop any bleeding. Apply gentle, direct pressure to the end of the nail with a clean cloth or piece of gauze until bleeding stops, usually within 5-10 minutes (PetMD). Do not wrap the paw tightly, as this can cut off circulation.
Next, clean the injured nail and paw with mild soap and water to prevent infection, then pat dry. You can apply a small amount of styptic powder, baking soda, or cornstarch to the nail tip with a cotton swab to help constrict blood vessels (Rover).
After stopping bleeding, loosely bandage the paw with gauze or a light wrap, leaving the toes exposed so the bandage doesn’t constrict circulation. This protects the nail and prevents licking or chewing. Change the bandage daily. Give your dog an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking if needed (VCA Hospitals).
Monitor your dog closely over the next few days. See the vet immediately if bleeding persists, the nail becomes discolored or inflamed, or your dog seems in pain. Otherwise, make a non-emergency vet appointment to examine the nail within a few days.
Vet Treatments
If your dog has a broken nail that is bleeding, very painful, or has exposed the quick, it’s best to take them to the vet for treatment. Vets have several options for treating broken nails in dogs:
Pain Medication – The vet may prescribe pain medication like tramadol or carprofen to relieve pain and inflammation. Controlling pain is important, as dogs tend to lick and bite at injured nails, potentially causing more damage.
Antibiotics – Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection, especially if the nail bed or quick is exposed. Common antibiotics used include amoxicillin and cephalexin.
Surgery – In severe cases where the nail is partially or fully torn off, surgery may be needed to remove the damaged nail. This is done with anesthesia and surgical scissors to cut the nail. The vet will bandage the foot afterward.[1]
In less severe cases, vets can clip and trim the broken nail to smooth the edge. They will also thoroughly clean the area to prevent infection. Expect to pay $100-$300 for treatment of a broken nail, depending on complexity.[2]
Recovery Time
Recovery time for a broken dog nail depends on the severity of the injury. https://www.walkervillevet.com.au/blog/dog-broken-nail/
If the nail is cracked but still attached, it may only take 1-2 weeks to fully heal. However, if the nail completely rips off, it can take up to 8 weeks for the nail to completely grow back. The nail bed and quick heal much faster than the actual nail grows. It only takes a few days for the nail bed to heal over.
The first 24 hours are the most painful as the exposed nail bed is very sensitive. But within a few days, most dogs become comfortable again. Depending on location and severity, the dog may need to limit activity while the nail heals to prevent further injury.
While waiting for the nail to regrow, it’s important to keep the area clean and monitor for signs of infection. But in most cases, broken nails heal quickly and without issues.https://betterpet.com/dog-broken-nail/
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your dog from breaking their nails:
Regular nail trimming is important to avoid letting the nails get too long. Long nails are more prone to catching on surfaces and breaking. Aim to trim your dog’s nails every 2-3 weeks. Use sharp nail trimmers designed for dogs and take care not to trim too short.
You can also try to avoid rough play that might lead to broken nails. Discourage jumping, hard running, and scratching on rough surfaces. Provide appropriate chew toys rather than hard objects they may bite.
Using booties when going for walks can protect your dog’s nails. Booties cushion the nails and prevent them from catching on various surfaces. They are especially useful when walking on rougher terrain.
With diligent nail care and trying to avoid overly rambunctious play, you can help prevent painful broken nails in your dog.
Conclusion
A broken nail is a common injury for dogs that can usually be treated at home with proper first aid. However, severe breaks or ones that cause bleeding should be seen by a vet right away. Leaving a broken nail untreated risks infection or other complications, so being vigilant about signs of problems is important.
With prompt first aid and follow-up care, most dogs recover fully from a broken nail. Keeping the nail clean and bandaged will help it heal. Restricting activity can also help prevent re-injury. As the nail grows out, it will reattach to the nail bed. Preventative measures like trimming nails regularly and avoiding rough play on hard surfaces can help avoid breaks in the future.
While broken nails are painful and disruptive for dogs and owners alike, the prognosis is good with proper treatment. Being aware of the risks and addressing any broken nail as soon as possible will help ensure your dog makes a full recovery.