My dog has broken a nail, what do I do?

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 the nails and, if applicable, the dewclaws of our dog, 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 a problem, or your dog has lost a nail, read on to find out what to do.

Why has my dog ​​broken a nail?

Dogs have four nails on their toes. 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 whatever reason, this wear is insufficient, the nails will grow, which can be a source of problems.

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Very long nails prevent the proper placement of the fingers, so the dog will have problems walking. These nails have to be cut and we need to 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 measure 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 vascularized 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, in addition to 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, the usual thing is that we do not have to do anything, since it will not hurt, it will not affect his mobility and it 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 bear in mind 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 it from bleeding.

However, if the veterinary clinic is closed at that time or, for whatever reason, we cannot access it, how to stop the bleeding of your dog's nail? With silver nitrate, preferably powder, applied directly to the wound. If the bleeding still persists, it will be essential to seek an emergency veterinarian.

Do dog nails grow back?

Yes, the nails of dogs regenerate and grow again, 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 its care. Thus, we must regularly check that the nails are short. Otherwise, we will be the ones who cut them, as we have said, with special attention to those of the spurs, if applicable. 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 dog file, or cut them.

It is good that we accustom the dog from the first moment to the manipulation of the legs and the cutting of 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 clipper for dogs, we will always cut respecting the area of ​​vascularization, which is simple in dogs with clear nails, since it is clearly visible. For dogs with black nails, without the possibility of this visualization, we must cut parallel to the pad.

Nail clippers cannot be used for people. If bleeding occurs, we must act as we have explained. It is better to cut less, just the tip, than to go too far and affect 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 do not dare, the staff of the veterinary clinic or the canine hairdresser can take care of the nail cutting.