Apply Pressure with a Clean Cloth
Like you would to try and stop a nose bleed, the first step you can take is to apply some pressure to the bleeding part of the dog’s nail. Apply a clean paper towel to the affected area for a few minutes. This, in most cases, should be enough to start the blood clotting process.
We can’t emphasize how important it is to use a clean cloth as anything that’s dirty may spread bacteria and germs into the dog’s body. The anatomy of a dog’s nail is different to that of a human. Dog nails contain blood vessels which is why bleeding can occur while trimming your dog’s nails.
One important first aid item that every dog owner should have is styptic powder. This powder is designed to stop bleeding quickly by contracting the tissues to seal exposed blood vessels. There are plenty of styptic powders you can buy that are designed for animal use.
Instructions are simple. First, make sure you dog is calm by offering him plenty of praise sand treats. Next, check the dog’s feet and clear away as much dirt and debris as you can without making the dog uncomfortable. Finally, gently dip the dog’s nails into the styptic powder and wait until the bleeding shows signs of stopping.
What Can Cause A Dog’s Nail To Bleed?
A dog’s nails can bleed for a variety of reasons when walking. An injury to the nails can occur if your dog encounters rough terrain, stumbles, or has nail problems. After a walk, bleeding nails in dogs are caused by various things.
At the tips of each paw, there are veins and nerves which provide nourishment for the nails to grow and hold on. A thick layer of hard material known as keratin covers your dog’s external nails, but when your dog walks on hard surfaces, the keratin erodes. Your puppy’s claw consists of three parts: bone, quick, and nail. In case your dog’s nails grow excessively, this is undoubtedly helpful.
The pads of a dog’s paws are usually rough. Movements such as turning in haste, stopping abruptly, and sprinting off can be facilitated by this. A pair of paw pads that is dried out and cracked becomes vulnerable to injury, collects debris inside the cracks, and is in pretty poor condition.
In the event of slight trauma, bleeding becomes easy and can occur. You should provide your dog’s paws with good care to prevent this. Protect them from harsh weather conditions by moisturizing them with footpad moisturizing creams.
In dogs, thorns and other splinters often get stuck in their paws since they are active animals that enjoy playing outside. You will probably find that your dog limps or hesitates to take a step with the injured foot if this occurs. Your dog may be in pain, but the treatment is usually straightforward. Your dog should be able to recover fully after meticulously removing the thorn and thoroughly cleaning it.
It is very easy for dogs to run across rough or painful surfaces while walking, and their nails can be scraped or torn off as well. The nail may bleed as a result. It is also possible for them to scrape their nails on sidewalks or roads and tear them down to the quick, which can also be painful and cause bleeding.
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Important disclaimer: If your dog’s nail does not stop bleeding in 10 minutes OR if your dog has completely or partially torn off a toenail (resulting from an injury), please seek veterinary care.
HOW TO Stop A Bleeding Toenail!
It is a nerve-wracking experience for most pet owners—trimming their dog’s toenails. Every pet parent has some amount of fear that they will cut too far into the nail and hit the quick. The quick is the part of the nail that has nerve endings and blood flow. If you cut too far back, dog toenail bleeding will occur.
A dog’s toenails need to be trimmed every two to three weeks depending on how much your dog walks and the surfaces they walk on. Without trimming, nails can grow back and puncture the pad of your dog’s paw. This can lead to infection and some serious discomfort. Also, if nails grow too long it affects a dog’s posture by torquing their spine. If nails are left unclipped for an overly long time serious medical issues can develop.