Introduction
A broken nail in dogs refers to a nail that has cracked, torn, split, or fractured in some way. This can range from a small split in the nail, to a nail that has completely torn off exposing the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail). Broken nails are quite common in dogs and can occur from catching or snagging the nail on furniture, carpeting, cement sidewalks, etc. While minor breaks may just require first aid at home, more severe breaks can result in bleeding, pain, and potential infection if not treated properly. This article will cover the causes, signs, dangers, treatments, recovery, prevention, and follow-up care for broken nails in dogs so you can be prepared if your dog experiences this injury.
Causes of Broken Nails in Dogs
The most common causes of broken nails in dogs include:
- Playing or exercising, especially on hard surfaces like concrete. Dogs who play roughly with other dogs or enjoy agility activities and running on hard ground are more prone to breaks.
- Trauma from sharp edges or hard impacts. Nails can split or crack if they get caught on surfaces like fencing, deck boards, or steps.
- Overgrown nails. When nails grow too long, they become brittle and weak. The extra length also increases leverage against the nail bed, making them easier to tear or split.
According to veterinarians, overgrown nails are the number one cause of broken nails in dogs. Nails that are allowed to grow too long can curve and twist, putting pressure on the nail. This makes them far more likely to catch on surfaces and split or crack off.
Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed regularly can help prevent breaks. Ideally, they should be trimmed every 2-4 weeks for most dogs. Shorter, well-maintained nails are stronger and less prone to trauma and tears. If you hear nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim.
Signs of a Broken Nail
There are several signs that may indicate your dog has a broken nail:
- Bleeding – One of the most obvious signs is bleeding from the nail. This occurs when the nail breaks below the quick, exposing blood vessels.
- Limping – Dogs often limp or avoid bearing weight on the affected paw when they have a broken nail. This is due to pain and discomfort.
- Licking at the paw – Your dog may excessively lick the injured paw in an attempt to clean it or ease pain.
- Splintered nail – You may notice part of your dog’s nail has splintered or chipped off. This can indicate a partial break.
- Quick exposed – If the nail break exposes the quick (contains blood vessels and nerves), significant bleeding and pain can occur.
The sooner a broken nail is detected, the better the chance of avoiding complications. Carefully inspect your dog’s paws if limping or other signs of pain occur.
Dangers and Potential Complications
A broken nail can cause serious complications for dogs if left untreated. Some of the main dangers and potential issues include:
Pain
Broken nails are very painful for dogs. According to PetMD, the nail bed contains many nerve endings, so any injury can be quite painful. Dogs may whimper, lick excessively at the paw, or avoid bearing weight on the affected leg due to pain.
Infection
The nail bed and surrounding tissue are prone to infection after a break occurs. Per Embrace Pet Insurance, bacteria can enter through the wound and cause an infection. Signs include redness, swelling, discharge, and a foul odor around the nail. Infections must be treated with antibiotics from a vet.
Permanent Nail Damage
Severe breaks that detach the nail from the bed may mean the nail will not regrow properly or at all, according to MedVet. The nail plate and bed must remain aligned for the nail to regrow healthily. Otherwise, deformities or permanent loss of the nail may occur.
When to See the Vet
Even if a nail break seems minor at first, it’s important to monitor your dog closely in the hours and days after the injury. Seek veterinary care immediately if any of the following occur:
- The nail is torn completely off, exposing the quick
- Bleeding from the nail won’t stop despite applying pressure
- Signs of infection like swelling, redness, oozing pus, or a foul odor around the nail
According to MedVet, dogs with torn off or severely damaged nails may require antibiotics to prevent infection. The vet will thoroughly clean the nail, trim any jagged edges, and may apply a protective bandage1. Watch for signs of pain, limping, or changes in behavior which could indicate complications. Follow all at-home care instructions from your vet.
VCA Animal Hospitals states that in severe cases, the nail may not grow back normally and surgical grafting or reconstruction may be needed2. Thus, it’s crucial to get prompt veterinary attention if you notice anything unusual after a nail injury.
Treating Minor Breaks at Home
For minor nail breaks where the quick is not exposed, you may be able to treat the break at home. The most important steps are to stop any bleeding, bandage the paw, limit activity, and keep the area clean.
To stop bleeding from a small nail break, apply direct pressure to the end of the nail with a clean towel or cloth for 5-10 minutes. Ice packs wrapped in cloth can also help restrict blood flow. Once bleeding has stopped, clean the area gently with saline solution or antiseptic wash, then apply a small amount of styptic powder, cornstarch, or baking soda directly on the nail tip to help clot any remaining blood flow.
Next, wrap the paw in a light bandage using gauze pads and self-adhesive wrap, taking care not to make it too tight. Keeping the nail protected will prevent further injury. Limit your dog’s activity to prevent re-injury and allow the nail time to start healing. Carry them up and down stairs.
Check the bandage daily, change if soiled, and monitor for signs of infection like redness, swelling or discharge. Clean the nail gently with antiseptic wash to prevent bacteria from entering the wound. Letting the nail soak in an Epsom salt solution can also promote healing. Avoid getting the bandage wet.
The nail will take 1-2 weeks to fully regrow. Your vet can assess recovery time and provide appropriate medication if needed.
Vet Treatments for Serious Breaks
If your dog has a seriously broken nail that exposes the quick or causes bleeding that won’t stop, they will likely need professional veterinary treatment. Some of the common vet treatments for serious nail breaks include:
Sedation – The vet may administer a sedative by injection or breathing mask to keep your dog calm during treatment. This prevents them from feeling pain or moving around
Antibiotics – If the nail break has resulted in an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. These will be oral, topical, or by injection depending on the type and location of infection
Splints – For injuries to weight-bearing toenails, the vet may apply a splint to immobilize the toe and prevent further damage as it heals. These are often made of tape, casting material, or plastic.
Surgical repair – If the nail is partly or fully torn off, the vet may surgically remove the damaged portion and suture the skin closed. This prevents infection and promotes proper healing.
In severe cases such as traumatic nail bed lacerations, reconstructive surgery and hospitalization may be required. Expect treatments to range from $300-$1000 depending on extent of injury (source).
Recovery Time and Expectations
The recovery time for a broken nail depends greatly on the severity of the break. Minor breaks and cracks can heal within 1-2 weeks according to vets (https://betterpet.com/dog-broken-nail/). More serious breaks where the nail is partially or fully torn off can take much longer to fully heal.
In cases of serious breaks, the nail bed is exposed which is very painful for dogs. The nail bed must regenerate and regrow the nail, which is a slow process. It usually takes several weeks or even months for the nail to fully regrow and look normal again. According to vets, dog nails grow around 1 mm per week on average (https://www.walkervillevet.com.au/blog/dog-broken-nail/). So for a fully broken nail, it could take 2-3 months for it to reach its previous length.
While waiting for the nail to regrow, it’s important to keep the area clean and monitor for any signs of infection. The new nail will initially be soft and vulnerable. Your vet may recommend continuing pain medication during the regrowth period. Once the new nail hardens and regrows fully, your dog should be fully recovered.
Prevention Tips
There are several things you can do to help prevent your dog’s nails from breaking:
Keep your dog’s nails trimmed regularly so they do not get too long. Long nails are more prone to catching on things and breaking. Aim to trim your dog’s nails at least every 2-3 weeks.
Provide your dog with appropriate scratching surfaces like scratching posts or scratching pads. Allowing them to scratch on these surfaces can help wear down their nails naturally.
Try to engage your dog in more activities on softer surfaces like grass or dirt rather than hardwood or concrete. The softer surfaces will put less pressure on the nails.
Regular exercise can help keep nails trim. Long walks and playing fetch on grass are great ways to wear down your dog’s nails.
Consider switching to a nail trimmer designed specifically for dogs, as the angle and shape is optimized to avoid splintering.
Speak to your vet if your dog has weak or brittle nails. They may recommend supplements to strengthen nails.
When to Revisit the Vet
While most minor broken nails will heal on their own with proper at-home treatment, it’s important to follow up with your vet if certain complications arise. Signs that may indicate the need for a recheck include:
– Persistent pain or swelling around the broken nail or paw – This could signal an infection or other issue requiring medical treatment.
– The nail not healing properly – If the broken part remains loose or the nail continues splitting and fraying, your vet may recommend removing the damaged nail or additional medications to promote healing.
– Exposed quick not closing – The quick (or live nail bed) may protrude and fail to fully scab over, putting your dog at risk for repeated bleeding and infection. Your vet can assess and determine the best way to allow the quick to heal.
– Other abnormalities – Limping, licking, redness, discharge or any other abnormal signs around the broken nail warrant a veterinary recheck to rule out complications. Don’t hesitate to call your vet if your dog seems uncomfortable or the nail does not appear to be healing well.
While waiting for your appointment, restrict activity, keep the area clean and continue any medications as prescribed. With proper monitoring and follow-up care from your veterinarian, most broken nails will heal without issue. But it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry if you notice anything out of the ordinary as the nail heals.
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