It happens to all of us. A nail bleeding on your dog is something that you will probably encounter at least once in your life. How to stop dog nail bleeding is therefore a mandatory thing to know. Below, we are going to explain all the things you need to know and also present you with the best ways to stop the bleeding. It is simpler and far less severe than you may believe at this point.
Common Causes of Dog Nail Bleeding
Most of you believe that the nail of your pet is hard tissue, and that’s all. In reality, it is made from tissue that becomes hard, and it therefore has blood vessels and a nerve. Each nail has these. How do you stop dog nails from bleeding? This is an obvious question, but the first one is: why does nail bleeding occur?
The most common reason is when you cut his nails and you also cut the blood vessels. As you can see the nail will start bleeding. You need to cut his nail in an area where it becomes narrowed and where it starts curling down. Some dogs have white nails, so you can see the nerves and blood vessels inside. Others have dark nails, so seeing this is difficult. Not all dogs have the same shape and the same position of the blood vessels and nerve hence a mistake is possible.
Keep in mind that your dog may injure or hurt the nail as well. This can happen when playing, during a fight, or for countless other reasons. One way or another, a nail will start bleeding, and you will have to stop the bleeding. Below are a few things you have to do that are very effective.
Stop Dog Nail Bleeding Using Simple Remedies
Use Styptic Powder First
Using a styptic powder is the best and fastest solution. It is one of those remedies that is just ideal for this purpose. You can find it in any pet store, or you can order it online. It is safe, and there are no risks of any kind. You can use it countless times, and honestly, this is something every single dog owner needs to keep in his home. To use it, you will have to follow these steps:
- You need to apply the styptic powder to the affected area. There are two options here you can do. The first thing you can do is put a small amount of powder on your finger and then press the affected area. You can also pour the powder on the lid and place the paw with the affected nail inside the lid. This is the same thing but can be more effective and faster. However, some dogs will refuse this, so the first option may be easier.
- Apply the pressure now and keep it there for a few seconds. This is a normal and ordinary thing that you would do to yourself when bleeding. If the bleeding is massive, you will need more powder.
- When the bleeding stops, remove the pressure, and you are done. You have stopped bleeding successfully, and you can give a treat to your pet.
Home Remedies You Can Use As Well
If you don’t have styptic powder at home or you are far away from your home, there are other simple remedies you can use as well. All of these work well and are safe, which is mandatory.
- Cornstarch: Yes, you can use cornstarch, or you can even mix it with baking soda and dip the nail of your dog into the mixture. Keep the pressure up for 2 minutes, and you are done. In most cases, bleeding will start within a few seconds.
- Bar of soap: You can use bar soap as well, which is ideal if you don’t have anything else close to you. Make it mushy first and apply it to the affected area. Keep it pressed for 3-5 minutes and then remove it.
- Ice: Use ice cubes if possible. These will decrease the temperature of the blood vessels, and they will contract. Hence, the bleeding will stop. You will have to place ice in a towel or piece of cloth and place it on the affected area.
It is important to add that all of these remedies are safe and they work well. There is no risk of any kind, and your dog will be in discomfort for a few seconds only. Dogs are brave, so this will not be a problem for them.
What Should You Do Next
There is no need to take a dog to a vet. This is mandatory only in extreme conditions where the paw or multiple nails and the paw are injured. After a few minutes after the bleeding has stopped, you can continue trimming his nails or you can just sit on your bed and hold his paw. Massage it gently and make your dog comfortable. If you are still trimming his nails, give your pet more treats than usual. This is just to calm him down and relax him more.
Limit the physical activity for the next couple of hours. This is mandatory. Running can cause bleeding again, and you will have to repeat the entire process, which is not appealing. Wait until the injury is cured and you two can get back to your ordinary lifestyle.
Your pet will probably feel much better within minutes, but keep him in place just to be sure. The nail needs to heal properly in order to avoid any risks or bleeding.
Steps to Prevent Dog Nail Bleeding
Ensuring your dog’s nails are trimmed properly and safely is essential in preventing nail bleeding. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Regular Inspection and Trimming:
Inspect your dog’s nails regularly. If you hear them clicking on the floor or they start to spiral, it’s time for a trim. Regular trimming helps avoid overgrowth which can lead to accidental breaks and bleeding.
2. Right Tools:
Use the appropriate nail clippers for dogs. Guillotine-style and scissor-type clippers are commonly used. Ensure they are sharp to avoid splitting or crushing the nail.
3. Understanding the ‘Quick’:
The ‘quick’ is a blood vessel running into the nail. Avoid cutting into it. In light-colored nails, it’s visible, but for dark nails, trim bit by bit until you see a dark spot in the middle.
4. Calm Environment:
Choose a quiet, well-lit area for nail trimming to keep both you and your dog calm. It’s also helpful to have a second person to hold the dog if necessary.
5. Positive Reinforcement:
Use treats and positive words to make the experience pleasant. Start by touching your dog’s paws regularly so they get used to handling before actual trimming begins.
6. Professional Help:
If unsure, seek professional help. Groomers and vets are skilled in nail trimming. Watch and learn their techniques for future reference.
7. Training:
Train your dog to associate nail trimming with positive experiences. Use treats, toys, and affection to reward their cooperation.
8. Proper Handling:
Hold the paw firmly but gently. Make clean cuts without hesitation. In case the ‘quick’ is nicked, have styptic powder or cornstarch on hand to stop bleeding.
9. Health Check:
Be observant. If your dog’s nails are chipping or breaking frequently, it could indicate a nutritional deficiency or health issue.
10. Knowledge and Skills Upgrade:
Educate yourself on the dog’s anatomy and nail trimming skills. Read, watch videos, or attend workshops to enhance your skills.
By following these preventive measures, the risk of your dog’s nails bleeding can be significantly reduced, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience for both you and your pet.
The Final Word
Now you know how to stop dog nail bleeding, regardless of why it happened. Keep in mind that you can start with the styptic powder and use it as the primary option. But you can also use the remedies we have mentioned earlier. All of these will work, and all of these are equally effective. There is no need to worry about it, and you can stay calm and help your pet get through this.
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