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Quick Summary
- To stop dog nail bleeding quickly, put a small amount of styptic powder on the wound. Styptic powders can be purchased from most pet stores.
- Using a clean cloth, apply a gentle pressure on the bleeding area. You might need assistance from someone to hold your dog down if he panics.
- Should the bleeding continue, take your dog to the vet immediately.
Aside from feeding and grooming pets, owning a dog requires certain other knowledge including knowing how to stop dog nail bleeding. The fastest way to do this is by putting some styptic powder on the area.
A dog’s nails can bleed for a variety of reasons. When a dog’s nail starts bleeding, I urge you to act quickly to stop the flow of blood and treat the area. In most cases, dog nail bleeding can be treated at home. Sometimes, an owner will need to take their dog to the vet, especially if the bleeding will not stop.
Dog Nail Bleeding Can Be Frightening
While trimming a dog’s nails too closely can often cause nail bleeding, other issues can be to blame. Often, there is a minor problem causing the bleeding, but dog nail bleeding can also be caused by a serious injury or condition.
No dog owner wants to see their beloved friend in pain. Seeing the signs of blood can cause owners to panic. Instead of panicking, it is important to take action right away.
What Causes a Dog’s Nails to Bleed?
Aside from stopping the blood flow, one of the first things an owner needs to do is to find out why the nail is bleeding. The cause of the bleeding needs to be identified as soon as possible so you can take appropriate action for treatment. The following are some of the most common reasons a dog’s nail might start bleeding.
Damage to the Quick
When trimming your dog’s nails, it is essential to stay above the quick, so damage does not occur. The quick is the part of the nailbed that supplies blood to the nail to keep it growing. When you get your dog’s nails trimmed and the quick is accidentally cut, it can cause substantial bleeding.
Not only will a dog bleed when their quick is cut, but they will also experience a lot of pain. There are many tiny nerve fibers within the quick.
When trimming your dog’s nails, it is important to practice caution. Ask your vet for assistance on knowing how far to cut. Using one of today’s best dog nail grinders makes cutting your dog’s nails safer. If you are unsure of how to trim dog nails, take your dog to a professional groomer to have his nails cut.
Injury to the Nail
Just like humans, a dog can break a nail, causing them pain and bleeding. When a dog’s diet is lacking key nutrients, its nails can become brittle, just like yours. Brittle nails are more likely to crack and can sometimes break off at the quick area and start to bleed.
A broken dog nail can be traumatic for both dog and owner. It is important to bring the bleeding under control as soon as possible [1].
Dog Nail Infections
If your dog develops an infection in the nail, bleeding can sometimes result. The signs of nail infection in dogs include swelling, redness, pain, and pus drainage. Bacterial and fungal infections can both occur in the nails of a dog. To treat the infection, it is important to take the dog to the vet right away.
Ingrown Toenails
If you have ever had an ingrown toenail, you know how much pain they can cause. The same happens with a dog. Often, ingrown toenails occur because of a lack of regular nail trimming.
When your dog’s nails are not trimmed regularly, they can grow so long that they begin to cut into the paw pads. Eventually, this can lead to a nail break and severe pain. Ingrown toenails are best handled by a vet.
How to Stop Your Dog’s Nail From Bleeding
No matter the reason for the bleeding, it is important to know how to stop the flow as soon as possible. Before you attempt to stop the bleeding, you must know that the quick is extremely sensitive. Your dog may be in tremendous pain and may not want you touching his nails. Try to keep your dog as calm as possible as you attempt to stop the bleeding.
Steps You Should Take to Stop the Bleeding Now
Get Assistance
You will likely need to get someone to help you hold your dog while you stop the bleeding. Your dog will likely be panicked and could go into shock if the bleeding is severe. Getting help is essential for keeping your dog safe during the process.
Apply Pressure
Applying pressure is an important part of stopping the bleeding. You will need a clean cloth to apply pressure. It is important to note that you should only apply gentle pressure. Putting too much pressure on your dog’s nails could lead to discomfort.
You will need to hold gentle pressure for two to four minutes. Applying pressure helps a clot to form. Set a timer for two minutes and do not let up the pressure until the timer goes off. If the nail is still bleeding, apply two more minutes of pressure.
Whenever the bleeding stops, assess the nail and try to determine what has caused the bleeding. If the nail is torn, you will need to carefully clip the torn part and then treat the dog wound [2]. If the bleeding will not stop, proceed to the following steps.
What Happens If the Bleeding Will Not Stop?
If your dog’s nail will not stop bleeding after holding pressure for four minutes, the styptic powder can be used. This powder helps to coagulate the blood and stop its flow quickly. If you do not have any styptic powder on hand, cornstarch or baking soda can work but only for minor bleeding. It is a good idea to keep a styptic pencil in your first aid kit for both dog and human bleeding emergencies. You can purchase this powder at your pet supply store.
Styptic powder helps to constrict the blood vessels so the blood can coagulate. This powder causes the wound to scab over.
Place a small amount of styptic powder on the wound and monitor to see if the bleeding stops. If the bleeding does not stop, apply a little more of the powder. You can also apply a small amount of super glue to the wound to hold it together and stop the bleeding.
Yes, You Can Use Super Glue!
You are likely wondering why super glue would be a part of the steps involved in stopping bleeding. While it may seem strange, it is not out of the ordinary to treat a wound with super glue. One of the ingredients in this glue, cyanoacrylate, is used to close small incisions from surgery.
Super glue is entirely safe to use on your furry friend. Make sure your dog does not ingest any of the glue. The glue should help you close the wound quickly so the bleeding stops right away.
A Word of Caution
Your dog needs to be protected at all times. Before you apply anything to your dog’s nail or a wound, always read the ingredients. Never apply any substance to your dog if you are unsure of its safety. If the glue contains other ingredients besides cyanoacrylate, investigate them before use.
What Should You Do If Your Dog’s Nail Is Bleeding at the Base?
Minor nail injuries are fairly easy to treat at home, but there are some instances where you will need to take further action. If your dog’s nail is bleeding on the nail bed, he will need a trip to the vet.
Nail injuries at the base of the nail are more serious. They can bleed substantially because there is a larger grouping of vessels in this area. A cut at the base of the nail will often need treatment from a vet.
If you notice the bleeding is coming from the base of the nail, take some gauze and apply a pressure bandage to stop the bleeding and protect the nail. Wrap the gauze firmly, but not too firmly, around the nail base. The extra padding will help ease the pain and absorb any blood while you wait to get to the vet as quickly as possible.
While you are waiting to transport your dog to the vet, put him in a comfortable dog crate so he does not get injured further. The crate will make for safe transport.
What to Do If the Dog’s Wound Will Not Clot?
You have applied pressure, powder, and even tried glue, and your dog’s nail wound will not clot. A dog’s wound, just like a human’s, should clot correctly. If a wound is not clotting, your dog could have a bleeding disorder that is preventing clots from forming.
Dogs can develop blood clotting disorders like hemophilia. If a dog has this disorder, it will continue to bleed and bleed. and this could result in a significant amount of blood loss. If you notice your dog’s nail is not stopping bleeding, take him to the vet immediately, no matter how minor the injury.
Your Dog’s Nail Started Bleeding After a Walk
You and your dog have just enjoyed a leisurely walk around the park. You look down and you see your dog’s nail bleeding, and he is limping.
If you notice a bleeding nail after a long walk, there is likely a chance your dog’s nails are brittle and are easily damaged. Brittle nails are often a direct result of poor nutrition.When your dog has a poor diet or his body could be ineffective at using certain nutrients, nails are affected.
A veterinarian can test your dog for nutritional deficiencies. They can also investigate any gastrointestinal issues that may be present and could cause the dog’s body to experience nutrient absorption problems.
While you are getting to the bottom of your dog’s nutritional deficiencies, try walking him on soft areas, such as the grass. Protect your dog’s nails by keeping them trimmed. Dog booties can be worn if your dog will tolerate them.
What to Do After the Bleeding Stops?
After the nail bleeding stops, you will need to keep a check on the nail and monitor its condition. If bleeding starts again, consult with your vet right away.
How to Clip Your Dog’s Nails Carefully
One of the number one reasons for a dog developing a bleeding nail is trimming to the quick. Avoiding nail trimming issues in the future is essential. You should know your pup may be traumatized by the incident, so take special care when trimming his nails.
First, I highly recommend using the right dog nail clippers. If you are using the manual kind, make sure they are sharp and made for dogs. Cut precisely across the nail, above the quick.
Cut a small amount of nail tissue at a time, never rushing the process. Your dog’s nails can be safely trimmed at home as long as you follow these tips.
FAQ About Dog Nail Bleeding
The following offers information to help summarize how to stop dog nail bleeding and answer additional questions you may have. If you have any further questions, make sure to reach out to your vet.
1. What can I put on my dog’s nail to stop it from bleeding?
You should first attempt to stop the bleeding by gently pressing a soft cloth to the wounded nail. If the bleeding does not stop, you may apply styptic powder. If you have no styptic powder, cornstarch may be used. You can also glue the wound closed with superglue, but check the ingredients first and use them with caution.
2. How long does it take for a dog’s nail to stop bleeding?
Your dog’s nail should stop bleeding within two to four minutes of holding pressure. If the bleeding continues beyond fifteen minutes, consult your vet immediately. Try using gentle pressure or styptic powder to clot the blood and make the bleeding stop.
3. Can you use flour to stop a dog’s nail from bleeding?
Although the styptic powder is best for stopping bleeding, you can use flour in a pinch. Put a small amount of flour on the wound and monitor it carefully. Do not use flour if your dog has allergies or the wound is very large. Flour should only be used if you cannot apply pressure with a clean cloth.
4. Can a dog bleed to death from bleeding nails?
While seeing your dog bleeding can bring on great panic, it is important you understand your dog will not bleed to death because of a nail bleed. While your dog’s nail may bleed profusely at first, gentle pressure should stop the flow and allow for clotting to take over. If you are concerned about continued bleeding, always consult your vet.
Practice Caution When Caring For a Dog’s Bleeding Nail
When your dog is suffering from a bleeding nail, acting quickly is essential. Your dog needs to know you are there for him. Use gentle motions and a soft voice. Keep him secure while you take care of the nail. If there is a substantial injury, seek the vet right away. By following these tips, you can keep your dog safe and secure.
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