In this article on our site we will explain what we can do if our dog has broken a nail. We will see how to cure a broken nail at home and in which cases, on the contrary, we should go to the vet.
It is a good idea that we pay regular attention to our dog's nails and, if applicable, dewclaws, precisely to check that they are in good condition and thus tackle any problem. Injuries to the nails and fingers can make it difficult for the dog to walk, so it is good to cut them whenever necessary. Now, if during this process there has been any problem, or your dog has dropped a nail, read on to find out what to do.
Why has my dog broken a nail?
Dogs have four nails on the toes of their paws. Some also have spurs, which are traces of a fifth toe that are located on the inside of each leg and above the foot. In general, dogs keep their nails trimmed through the wear and tear that occurs when performing their usual activity. If, for any reason, this wear is insufficient, the nails will grow, which can be a source of problems.
Unas Toenails that are too long prevent the proper placement of the fingers, so the dog will have trouble walkingThese nails have to be cut and we must see if there is any problem that makes it difficult to wear them, such as low activity or poor support. The claws of the spurs, not touching the ground, can grow in a circle around themselves until they dig into the flesh. Next, we explain what to do if our dog has broken a nail.
As for the causes that can lead to a fall of the dog's nail, or breakage, there are several. It is possible that it has been the dog itself that has pulled out the nail because it is an impediment to walking, that a fall or a trip has broken it or that it suffers from some type of infection. However, as we say, the most common reason is usually a measurement that is too long, which makes the animal unable to move normally.
My dog has a bleeding nail
Although it is not a frequent situation, it is important that we know what to do if our dog has broken a nail. In some cases, the rupture is accompanied by bleeding, which is usually the first sign that alerts us. The blood will come from the vascularised area of the nail, which is where the nerves and blood vessels are located. It corresponds to the pink part that can be seen at the base of the nail if it is white. If the nail breaks there, the dog will feel pain as well as bleeding.
My dog lost a nail
If our dog has pulled out a nail, unless it affects the vascularized area, it does not have to cause bleeding. Thus, it is feasible that the dog has lost a nail without us realizing it. If our dog has broken a nail in this way, usually we don't have to do anything, since it won't hurt, it won't affect the mobility of it and will grow back in a few weeks. In these cases it is more common for the dog to have the nail of the spur broken, due to its situation, before any of the fingers.
How to cure a broken nail in dogs?
As we have said, if the dog has broken a nail without bleeding, we will limit ourselves to observing that it grows back normally. On the other hand, if bleeding occurs, we must use cotton or clean gauze to press the base of the nail in order to stop the bleeding We must take into account that it is a cure that can be painful for the dog, with which it is possible that it moves, cries or growls. If the bleeding does not subside in a matter of minutes, we must transfer the dog to the veterinary clinic. There they will cauterize the nail, thus stopping the bleeding.
However, if the veterinary clinic is closed at the time or, for whatever reason, we cannot access, how to stop the bleeding from your dog's nail ? With silver nitrate, preferably in powder form, applied directly to the wound. If the bleeding still persists, it will be essential to seek an emergency veterinarian.
Do dogs' nails grow back?
Yes, dog nails regenerate and grow back, unless they have been completely removed. In the latter case, the nail will not grow back. However, if your dog has pulled part of the nail, cut it or split it, you should not worry because in a few days it will return to its normal state.
How to prevent my dog from breaking a nail?
That our dog has broken a nail can serve as a starting point to worry more about taking care of him. Thus, regularly we must check that the nails are short Otherwise, we will be the ones to cut them, as we have said, paying special attention to those of the spurs, if this is the case. In this way, we see how the best way to prevent a dog from splitting a nail is by maintaining proper nail hygiene. To do this, we can file the nails regularly, using a file for dogs, or cut them.
It is good that we accustom the dog from the first moment to handling the legs and cutting the nails. To cut, we will start by holding the paw and, with two fingers, we will show the nail in its entirety. With a nail clippers for dogs, we will always cut respecting the area of vascularization, which is easy for dogs with light-colored nails, since it is clearly visible. For dogs with black nails, without the possibility of this visualization, we must cut parallel to the pad.
Personal nail clippers cannot be used. If bleeding occurs we must act as we have explained. It is better to cut less, only the tip, before going too far and affecting the vascularization, especially the first few times, since we could scare the dog so that it reacts negatively to subsequent cutting attempts. We must know that, if we don't dare ourselves, the staff of the veterinary clinic or the canine hairdresser can take care of the nail trimming.
For more information, don't miss this article: "How to cut a dog's nails at home".
