What To Do If Your Dog Has A Broken Nail
Ever needed to ask this question on pet care forums or to your veterinarian, “My dog’s nail ripped off. What should I do?” Every dog parent knows that their fur babies are energetic creatures. In the midst of their playful antics, it’s not uncommon for accidents to happen, leading to injuries like a dog’s broken nail.
While it can be alarming for both you and your furry family member, dealing with a broken toe nail in dogs requires calmness and a collected approach. Here’s your guide on what to do if your dog splits a nail — or completely breaks it:
Dogs and broken nails: do they hurt?
Just like in humans, split or broken toe nails can cause varying degrees of discomfort in canines. The pain may be mild if the nail only has a minor crack or chip, which may not require veterinary care. But if left unclipped, these areas could snag on surfaces and pull the nail, causing a really painful broken toe nail. Dogs will wince out in pain in case that happens.
Pooches can also experience deeper breaks or completely break off their nails, exposing the pink flesh inside. One common fear with pet grooming is cutting their nails a little too much, causing your dog’s nail to start spurting blood. The bleeding is coming from the pink fleshy area called the ‘quick’. It contains blood vessels and nerves that contribute to healthy toe nail growth in canines. If it gets exposed, dogs can experience severe pain, which is why they cower in fear when you break out the nail clipper. And if a dog’s nail is ripped off, they’re not only under intense discomfort but also become vulnerable to infection.
How to spot a broken toe nail in your dog
If you suspect a broken toe nail in your dog, choose a calm setting to examine it while keeping stress at bay. For dogs comfortable with handling, gently hold or restrain them to avoid sudden movements. Look for visible signs like swelling, redness or blood around the nail.
Next, carefully examine each nail and use a flashlight if needed. Look for cracks, splits or any abnormalities. Pay attention to the dewclaws, which is essentially their big toe that’s located slightly above their other toes. Dewclaws are more prone to injury as their purpose is to provide additional stability, grip and traction.
Watch for your dog’s reaction as you check each nail. Any flinching, whimpering or showing any signs of discomfort when touching a specific area may indicate a dog’s broken a nail. Keep an eye out for any changes in behaviour, such as excessive licking or chewing at a specific paw, which could be a sign of pain or irritation.
A concerned pet parent’s first aid guide to a dog’s broken nail
After determining that your dog split a nail or broke it, now come the next steps: providing first aid to the injury. Here’s a step-by-step guide on addressing a dog’s broken nail for concerned pet parents:
Step 1: Assess the damage
First things first — take a moment to assess the situation and the damage to the nail. If your dog seems distressed, try to keep them as calm as possible. Say some soothing words or give them their favourite toy or treat.
Then, examine the broken nail to determine the extent of the damage. Is it a minor crack, a partial break or a full-on split? Understanding the severity of a dog’s broken nail helps you decide on the best course of action.
Step 2: Stop the bleeding
A broken toe nail in a dog can bleed. And while it may seem like a lot due to the quick, it’s usually not as terrifying as it appears. Use a clean cloth or tissue to apply gentle pressure to the nail and stop the bleeding. However, if it continues to bleed for more than a few minutes, or the bleeding becomes excessive, call your veterinarian immediately.
Step 3: Trim the loose nail part
If the nail is partially broken and there’s a loose piece hanging, carefully trim it with pet nail clippers. Don’t cut too close to the quick! Look for the translucent tip of their nail and only clip until this part — the nail surrounding the quick is much darker due to the blood supply.
Step 4: Clean and protect the remaining toe nail
Once you’ve successfully managed the bleeding, cleanse your pup’s affected paw with mild soap and water. It will help ward off potential infections. Take the extra step of applying an antiseptic ointment and a dog-friendly bandage. This will further shield your dog’s broken nail from dirt and bacteria.
If your furry friend isn’t too keen on the bandage, the infamous ‘cone of shame’ can be used to prevent any unwanted licking or chewing. Though it might dampen their mood, the cone of shame is a necessary measure for their speedy recovery!
Step 5: Monitor for discomfort or infection
Keep a close eye on your dog for signs of discomfort or infection. If they continue to lick, chew or favour the injured paw, consult your vet promptly. The same advice goes if you notice redness, swelling or discharge from your dog’s broken nail. They may need antibiotics or pain medication to heal properly.
Step 6: Follow up with veterinary care
Even if you get things sorted out, taking your pup on a vet visit is a great move. Your vet can provide advice that’s more tailored to their injury, offer any essential medications and make sure your furry friend bounces back quickly.
Moving paw-reward: Prevent broken toe nails with pet nail care from DogMaster Trainers
Avoid a painful broken toe nail in your dog with the proper grooming routines and tools. For a convenient solution to your pet’s nail care needs, explore the range of grooming products at DogMaster Trainers Australia and New Zealand. From paw-friendly salves to nail grinders and replacement accessory packs, we have all the nail care essentials to keep your dog from breaking a nail. Take advantage of our same-day shipping in Australia and New Zealand for orders placed before noon. Shop now!