Assess the Damage
If your dog’s nail is ripped off, the first step is to assess the damage. Look carefully at the nail bed to see how much of the nail is torn off. Check to see if the nail bone is exposed. The nail bone is the light-colored dense tissue visible when you cut a dog’s nails too short, hitting the quick. According to Dog Toenail Anatomy 101, dog nails contain blood vessels and nerves that run through the quick.
You’ll also want to note any bleeding or exposed tissue. Bleeding indicates the nail’s quick has been damaged. Pressure should be applied to control bleeding. Severe bleeding, large exposed tissue areas, and visible bone likely means the injury is extensive and requires prompt veterinary care.
Stop the Bleeding
It’s important to stop the bleeding quickly after a nail is ripped off. Apply gentle but firm pressure to the injured paw with a clean towel or cloth. Hold it there for 5-10 minutes to help form a clot. Styptic powder, sometimes called blood stop powder, can also be applied to the nail bed. This special powder helps constrict blood vessels and promotes clotting. If you don’t have styptic powder, corn starch can work too. Pour the powder directly on the nail bed and apply pressure with the towel again.
Do not use a tourniquet or tie anything tightly around the paw as this can cut off circulation and damage the limb. Simply apply direct pressure to the nail bed until the bleeding stops. Seek veterinary care right away if the bleeding does not stop after 10-15 minutes of applied pressure.
Clean the Wound
It’s important to properly clean your dog’s wound after a nail is ripped off to prevent infection. First, flush the wounded area with a saline solution to rinse away any debris or dirt. A good saline solution contains 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1 cup of boiled, cooled water (Source). The saline will also help dislodge any small fragments of nail that may remain.
Next, use tweezers sterilized with rubbing alcohol to gently remove any visible debris or nail fragments. Take care not to cause further injury. After debris is removed, clean the wound by squirting or soaking it with an antiseptic wash such as Betadine solution. The antiseptic wash will help kill bacteria and prevent infection (Source). Be sure to read and follow label directions for the antiseptic wash.
Properly flushing and disinfecting the wound right away is crucial for your dog’s healing and comfort.
Bandage the Paw
After cleaning and drying the wound, you’ll need to properly bandage your dog’s injured paw to protect it while it heals. According to How to Wrap a Dog’s Paw: A Veterinarian Shares How (https://toegrips.com/how-to-wrap-dogs-paw/), there are a few important steps to follow when bandaging a dog’s paw after they’ve lost or injured a nail:
First, place a sterile gauze square directly over the wound and wrap the paw with a rolled gauze bandage. Make sure to wrap the gauze snugly, but not too tight or it could cut off circulation. Tape the end of the gauze wrap in place with medical or athletic tape. Then, wrap another layer of adhesive bandage material, like an Ace bandage, over the gauze for added stability and protection.
It’s critical that you wrap the bandage properly and tape it securely so it stays in place. An improperly wrapped bandage could fall off or allow debris into the wound. You may need to re-wrap the bandage every 1-2 days as it gets dirty.
To prevent your dog from licking or chewing at the bandaged paw, it’s recommended to use an Elizabethan collar or cone around their neck until the wound has healed completely.
Pain Management
It’s important to manage your dog’s pain after losing a nail to help them heal and prevent further injury. Some options for providing pain relief include:
Speak to your veterinarian about dog-safe over-the-counter pain medications like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Common options are carprofen, deracoxib, and meloxicam. Never give your dog human medications like ibuprofen or naproxen without consulting your vet first, as these can be toxic to dogs.[1][2]
Limit your dog’s activity to prevent them from further injuring their paw or nail bed. Keep them resting and calm. Consider confining them to a crate or small room when you cannot directly supervise.
Your vet may prescribe stronger prescription pain medications if over-the-counter options are not sufficient. But always consult your vet before giving your dog any new medications.
Seek Veterinary Care
If your dog’s nail is torn past the quick or damaged down to the bone, professional veterinary treatment is necessary. The American Kennel Club recommends seeking veterinary care immediately if the nail is bleeding profusely or hanging off (Source). According to the AKC, treatment may involve sedation for pain, antibiotics if infection has set in, and in severe cases, surgery to remove remnants of the nail or bone fragments (Source). The severity of the injury and amount of bleeding will determine if urgent veterinary care like bandaging, sutures, or a transfusion is required. Consulting a vet promptly allows proper assessment and treatment to avoid ongoing pain and complications.
Aftercare
After your dog has had initial treatment for the ripped nail, it is important to provide proper aftercare to allow the nail to heal and prevent infection.
Keep the injured paw clean and dry by changing the bandage daily. Gently clean the area with a damp cloth and pat dry before reapplying antibiotic ointment if prescribed by your vet. Wrap the paw in a fresh, snug bandage. Using self-adhering wrap can help keep it secured. Monitor for signs of infection like redness, swelling, discharge or a foul odor.
Give your dog any oral antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian to prevent infection. Pain medication may also be prescribed to keep your dog comfortable.
Restrict your dog’s activity to allow the nail and tissue time to heal. Take short leash walks for potty breaks only. Avoid running, jumping or playing for at least a week. It takes several months for a ripped nail to fully regrow.
Prevent Infection
It’s important to monitor the injured paw for signs of infection, which can include redness, swelling, discharge, or a fever. Take your dog’s temperature at least once daily after the injury. According to Dog nail infections: Signs, causes, and treatment, symptoms like biting, chewing, licking at nails, limping, or sensitivity in the paw can indicate infection. If you notice any of these symptoms developing, return to the vet for treatment. Catching an infection quickly can help prevent complications.
Keeping the wound clean and bandaged properly will help prevent infection. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics as a preventative measure as well. Be vigilant about checking the nail bed and surrounding areas for abnormal redness, heat, swelling or discharge, as these require prompt veterinary attention.
Allow Nail to Heal
It takes several weeks to months for a dog’s nail to fully regrow after being ripped off or removed. According to PawSafe, on average it takes 4-6 weeks for a dog’s nail to grow back completely, but this timeline can vary based on the individual dog and severity of the injury [1]. WagWalking states that nails that were completely removed can take several weeks to regrow [2].
While the nail is regrowing, it is important to protect the exposed nail bed so it can regenerate properly. Avoid trimming or cutting the injured nail, as this can disturb the healing process. Let the nail grow out fully before attempting to trim it again. Keep the bandages clean and dry to prevent infection as the new nail generates.
Be patient during the healing process. Provide ample time for the nail to regrow its protective shell. Don’t rush trimming or cutting, as it takes weeks to months for the nail to completely regenerate after such an injury.
Prevent Future Injuries
To help prevent future nail injuries in your dog:
- Keep your dog’s nails trimmed regularly. Long nails are more prone to catching on surfaces and tearing off. Aim to trim your dog’s nails at least every 2-3 weeks.
- Provide scratching posts and appropriate surfaces for your dog to help wear down their nails naturally. Rough surfaces like concrete sidewalks can gradually grind down nails when walked on regularly.
- Avoid having your dog participate in activities that put a lot of stress on their nails or risk catching and tearing them. For example, dogs who dig obsessively may damage their nails. Discourage behaviors like digging to protect their nails.
By keeping your dog’s nails short and providing appropriate surfaces for scratching, you can help prevent painful nail injuries in the future. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect your dog’s nails and trim any that are getting too long. With some simple preventative care, you can help keep your dog’s nails healthy and intact.