Yes, a dog's nail will heal on its own. However, it will heal fastest if it's only a small cut and you follow the tips in this article. If you're concerned about your dog at any point during the healing process, take them to the vet.
A healthy dog will not bleed to death from a cut toenail—not even close! While it is unfortunate that you've hurt your dog (which none of us wants to do), and while it may be a bit messy, this is not a serious injury.
If you accidentally cut the quick when trimming your dog's nails its best to stay calm and apply a clotting agent like styptic powder or even ice to constrict blood vessels and numb your pup's pain. Positive reinforcement and treats may help your dog overcome any fear or anxiety caused by getting their nail trimmed.
Some pet parents actually worry that there is a broken bone, especially when they see the nail sticking out from the foot. Although it's not a life-threatening emergency, you should take your dog to see a vet as soon as possible.
With your furry friend standing in front of you with their front legs under their shoulders, check their nails. Are they touching the ground? If so, then they're too long. And if you hear your dog's nails clicking or see them turn sideways, it's time for a trim.
Most broken nails will heal by themselves over 1-2 weeks.
You can usually walk your dog within an hour after cutting the quick. Provided it was only a small cut, and you stopped the bleeding, there is no reason not to walk your dog.
Your veterinarian may apply antibiotic ointment or powder to the exposed nail bed and bandage the foot to prevent contamination and to minimize further bleeding. An oral or injectable antibiotic may be advised as well. Since the nail bed or quick is attached to bone, prevention of infection is crucial.
If you notice your dog has a broken nail, it's essential to take them to the vet so that the cause can be diagnosed and treated appropriately. Untreated broken nails can lead to pain, bleeding, and other serious complications.
Your dog's nail quick can be exposed due to a trimming issue or lack of nutrition. Nail quicks may also become overgrown, making nail trims stressful. If a dog nail quick is exposed, clean and wrap it to prevent infection. If the bleeding does not stop, visit your vet immediately.
Your dog will forgive you, but could be wary the next time you bring out the clippers so it's important to build back up that positive experience. Not all dogs are going to be comfortable with having their feet touched, let alone having their nails clipped!
Limping can be a sign of nailbed damage, muscle or tendon issues, or even arthritis.
If your dog has a broken nail, they will most likely need to be examined by a veterinarian at some point. If there's no bleeding and it seems like a minor break, schedule a visit to your local veterinarian in the next couple of days for a closer look.
If you accidentally cut into the quick, immediately compress the wound for at least two minutes with a clean cloth or paper towel. If the bleeding is minor, try rubbing a bar of clean, scent-free soap over it.
There are many owners who take their dogs to the groomers for trimming, for fear of hurting their pooch or getting it wrong. Nail neglect can lead to pain and health risks for your four-legged friend, including a splayed foot, reduced traction, pain when walking, and worse, deformed feet and injuries.
Will a dog's broken toe fractures heal on its own? In most cases, a broken toe in a dog will not heal on its own and will require veterinary care for a successful bony union. If left untreated, a broken toe can cause pain, swelling, and lameness, and may lead to complications such as arthritis or joint instability.
Vet costs average between $50–$80 for the exam and supplies, perhaps an additional $20 for the full nail trim, $20–$60 for medication, and up to $100 for sedation. So you're looking at around $200–$300 total in costs to fix your dog's broken nail at the vet (better than the injury leading to infection!).
Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant and antiseptic used on dogs to remove unwanted bacterial or fungal growth from the skin. It can be used for a number of reasons, from keeping wounds clean to treating skin infections.
If your dog's nails are extremely long, trim a small amount and wait one week before trimming again to allow the quick to recede. You should then repeat weekly until their nails are the appropriate length.
Using a saline solution or water and a mild soap, clean the injury. Try not to use a cotton swab or gauze as fibers may embed into the nail. Pour your saline solution over the nail to clean. Keep doing this until blood, dirt, and debris are all rinsed off.
To treat a small cut, wash the area with saline and put a compress on the wound to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding has stopped, dab a small amount of antibiotic ointment on the wound. If a dog does get injured while in your care, it's important to immediately point this out to their owner on collection.
Thankfully, a dog's toenail will usually stop bleeding after several minutes. But that doesn't mean you don't need to act. Apply a warm soapy solution to the wound with a clean cloth. Doing so will not only clear up any blood, but will prevent bacteria from getting into the wound, minimizing the risk of infection.