Introduction
Nail bleeding is common in dogs, especially when their nails get trimmed too short. When you cut a dog’s nails, there are blood vessels and nerves inside the nail called the quick. If you cut into the quick, it will cause bleeding and pain. While a small amount of bleeding can be normal, it’s important to stop prolonged or heavy bleeding to avoid complications.
Excessive nail bleeding can be dangerous for dogs if left untreated. Hemorrhaging can lead to blood loss, infection, or damage to the nail bed. Pain and discomfort from an injured nail may also cause changes in behavior or movement. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to properly stop bleeding if you accidentally cut your dog’s quick. With the right supplies and technique, you can stop nail bleeding at home and prevent further issues.
Assess the Severity
When your dog’s nail starts bleeding after being cut or torn, it’s important to first assess the severity of the bleeding to determine the next steps. Look at the amount and speed of the bleeding. A small amount of nail bleeding can often stop on its own with direct pressure, while rapid bleeding or large amounts of blood loss will require quick action.
Also consider your dog’s medical history. If your dog is on blood thinners or has a clotting disorder, even small amounts of bleeding may be an emergency. Older dogs or those with health conditions may not be able to tolerate blood loss as well.
Check for any other injuries that may be contributing to blood loss, like wounds on the paws or legs. The more blood loss occurring, the faster you’ll need to act.
By quickly analyzing the nail bleeding in context of your dog’s overall condition, you can determine if it’s a minor at-home incident or an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.
Apply Direct Pressure
One of the first things you’ll want to do when your dog’s nail starts bleeding is to apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. This is a simple but effective way to get the bleeding under control quickly.
Use a clean cloth or paper towel and press it firmly against the end of the nail where it is bleeding. Applying steady pressure helps constrict blood vessels and prevents further blood loss.
Hold the cloth or towel in place for 3-5 minutes while applying firm pressure continuously. This gives the blood time to clot and the bleeding to stop. Check after 3-5 minutes – if it is still bleeding, you may need to hold pressure for longer.
Applying direct pressure is usually the go-to method for controlling nail bleeding in dogs. With a little patience and steady pressure, you can often get the bleeding to stop within a few minutes (Cite: https://toegrips.com/how-to-stop-a-dogs-nail-from-bleeding/). Just be sure to use a clean cloth and apply firm but gentle pressure on the nail.
Use Styptic Powder Alternatives
There are some common household ingredients you can use instead of styptic powder to help stop the bleeding from your dog’s nail (WahlUSA; DailyPaws). These work by acting as a clotting agent when applied to the wound.
Baking soda, cornstarch, and flour are effective alternatives. You can pour a small amount directly onto the nail to cover the cut area. Then, apply firm pressure with a cloth or paper towel for several minutes until the bleeding slows down. The baking soda or flour will help form a clot to stop the bleeding (RescueDogs101).
Of these options, cornstarch may be the most effective at absorbing moisture from the wound and activating clotting. Pour a generous amount over the nail and hold steady pressure. The cornstarch should harden into a cast over the cut and stop the bleeding within 5-10 minutes (DailyPaws).
While not as immediately effective as commercial styptic powder, baking soda, cornstarch and flour can be easily found in most kitchen pantries. Keeping one on-hand provides a readily available solution to stop bleeding if you trim too far into the quick.
Make a Homemade Solution
One effective way to stop bleeding from a dog’s nail is to make a homemade styptic powder alternative using common household ingredients like flour, baking soda, and salt. According to the article How To Stop a Dog’s Nail From Bleeding, you can create a homemade styptic powder by following these steps:
- Mix together 1 teaspoon of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
- Add a few drops of water and stir until it forms a paste.
- Gently press the paste directly onto the bleeding nail. The combination of flour, baking soda, and salt will help constrict the blood vessels and stop the bleeding.
It’s important not to wipe away the paste. Keep it on the nail for several minutes until the bleeding fully stops. The paste will dry out and flake off on its own. This homemade solution using common kitchen ingredients can be an effective alternative if you don’t have commercial styptic powder on hand.
Use Ice
Applying a cold compress with ice can help stop bleeding from a dog’s nail. Ice causes the blood vessels around the nail to constrict, slowing blood flow. According to Wahl USA, the cold temperature of the ice acts as a vasoconstrictor, narrowing the blood vessels and reducing bleeding.
To use ice to stop dog nail bleeding:
- Wrap several ice cubes in a thin towel or cloth. This protects the dog’s skin from being damaged by direct contact with the ice.
- Apply the wrapped ice directly to the bleeding nail, using gentle but firm pressure. Hold the ice in place for 5-10 minutes, according to Daily Paws.
- The cold from the ice constricts the blood vessels around the nail, slowing blood flow and promoting clotting.
Continue holding the wrapped ice on the nail, checking periodically to see if bleeding has stopped. Reapply if needed. Ice is an easy, non-toxic way to help halt mild nail bleeding at home.
Bandage the Nail
After cleaning the nail, you’ll want to bandage it to protect it as it heals. Start by wrapping sterile gauze or a clean cloth around the injured nail and paw. Make sure to wrap it snugly enough to apply light pressure, but not so tight it cuts off circulation. According to wikiHow, “Firmly wrap over the cotton gauze to allow for some tension to keep the bandage together.”
Next, use medical tape, sports tape, or bandage tape to secure the gauze or cloth wrapping. Tape around the paw and up the leg for added stability. As noted by Scent Hound, “If your pup chews or tugs at the bandage, cover it with a pet sock.”
It’s important to check and change the bandage frequently, ideally at least once a day. Monitor for bleeding, discharge or odor, which are signs it may need to be changed. Keeping it clean and dry will allow the nail to heal properly.
Sources:
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Torn-Toenail-on-a-Dog
https://www.scenthound.com/dogblog/what-to-do-when-your-dogs-nail-quick-is-exposed
Limit Activity
It’s important to limit your dog’s activity after a nail injury to prevent further damage and pain. Here are some tips:
- Restrict movement as much as possible. Keep your dog confined to a small space like a crate or one room.
- Carry your dog outside for bathroom breaks rather than letting them walk. This prevents putting pressure on the injured nail.
- No running, jumping, or playing. Activities that involve the feet could cause more damage.
- Leash walk them for potty only. Keep walks very short and slow-paced.
- Prevent access to stairs or furniture they could jump on and off of.
- Limiting activity helps the nail heal and prevents re-injury which could be painful and set back the healing process.
If needed, use a dog carrier or sling to immobilize the injured paw when moving your dog. Restricting movement is key to recovery.
Monitor the Nail
After stopping the bleeding, it’s important to continue monitoring your dog’s injured nail to watch for signs of re-bleeding or infection. Check the nail at least twice a day. Watch for any new bleeding that seeps out around the nail. This could indicate the scab has broken open or the injury is not fully healed.
Also look for signs of infection like swelling, redness, discharge or a foul odor around the nail. According to one source, “Signs that your pet may have a nail or nailbed infection could include redness, swelling, or discharge from the skin surrounding the nail, or a foul odor coming from the nail” (source). An infection requires veterinary treatment with antibiotics.
Additionally, observe your dog’s overall health and behavior. Are they licking or biting at the paw? Does it seem painful when touched? Are they having trouble walking on it? These could indicate a problem. Alert your vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
When to See the Vet
In some cases of dog nail injuries, it is best to take your dog to the vet for prompt treatment. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, you should take your dog to the vet if there is excessive bleeding that cannot be controlled with direct pressure. Significant bleeding poses a risk of blood loss. Additionally, a nail that is broken near the base or results in exposed tissue may require veterinary attention to properly treat the injury and prevent infection.
You should also have a veterinarian assess the injury if you suspect a fracture in the toe. Symptoms can include swelling, bruising, and your dog crying in pain when you touch the toe. The vet can take x-rays and determine if surgery is required for proper healing. Furthermore, take your dog to the vet if they seem to be in significant pain even after you bandage the nail. Excessive licking of the bandage or foot is also a sign of discomfort requiring veterinary assessment.
Finally, monitor the nail for any signs of infection, including redness, heat, pus or foul odor. According to The Wildest, infection is a common complication that warrants prompt medical care. Your vet can prescribe antibiotics and properly clean the wound to prevent dangerous spreading of infection.