Dogs are naturally playful and active. That's why we sometimes just let them run around the house, dig a hole in the yard, chase other dogs, or play with their toys. However, despite our best efforts to protect our dogs from danger, accidents happen such as a broken nail.
It may not be a great deal when your dog has its nail ripped off. You can just let it go sometimes. But when you see the quick or the tender flesh below the nail exposed, that's a different story. There is something you must do. But, what should you do? How can you treat a broken nail? How can you prevent it from happening again?
Why Dog Nails Break
There are tons of reasons why your dog's nail break. They love to dig, snuggle their paws onto something, and scratch their paws against the ground. Although it may be a dog's natural habit, their nails are vulnerable of breaking when they get in contact with huge and sharp rocks and grassroots while digging or they caught themselves struck by the blade of a fan. A rough object, carpet, or floor may also rip your dog's nail off.
Senior dogs have brittle nails that can break easily. Puppies, on the other hand, have delicate nails that can also be prone to breaking when they play around. Take note that the longer the nails are, the more they are easier to break.
It may cause an excruciating pain and bleed when your dog's nail break. Hence, it is important not to ignore the situation but rather take an immediate action. But, while you see it bleeding, what are the things you can do first?
What You Can Do
When your dog's situation requires immediate health care, it is vital to supply what your dog really needs right then and there. While you're prepping him up for going to the vet, there is a proper health procedure you have to apply.
1. Check the nail.
Check your dog's paw carefully where the damaged nail is. Try not to hold its paw too firmly as it may be still painful or might get infected when you touch or hold the area with your hands. That's why it's also best to clean your hands first before supplying the first aid.
Observe and assess what your dog's nail looks like whether there's a hanging nail that needs to be removed or the quick or tender flesh is awfully exposed.
2. Gently remove the damaged part of the nail.
Once you see a hanging nail from the damaged area, you need to trim it off with a clipper. With this procedure, you need to be extra gentle and careful. You don't want to worsen the condition or let your dog bleed more. You have to disinfect the clipper and cut the damaged part of nicely, gently, and carefully. Taking the hanging nail off prevents infection or further injury when your dog starts to roam around the house again.
However, it is not always easy to do this procedure. If you really are uncertain and can't do it by yourself, you can always seek help from your vet.
3. Control the bleeding.
Whether you have trimmed the nail off or not, it may already have caused bleeding. Don't freak out when a lot of blood comes out. If you have a styptic powder at home, you can apply it directly to the wound. This substance has the ability to seal injured blood vessels and stop the bleeding. Keep the pressure and compress it with a clean towel for about 5 to 10 minutes.
If the bleeding does not stop despite applying styptic powder or other suitable medicine to stop the bleeding, take your dog the vet immediately.
4. Clean and disinfect.
To avoid further infection in the wound, you have to clean it right away. Use warm water to clean your dog's paw to make sure there are no dirt and tiny pieces or particles around the wound. You may think of hydrogen peroxide, but do not use it. It may just only worsen the condition of the wound.
You can use a diluted betadine solution or neospirin to clean and disinfect the wound. However, if it still doesn't stop bleeding, you can gently apply pressure to the wound.
5. Wrap it with a bandage.
To keep the wound away from dirt or other tiny debris, you can wrap it with a bandage for the meantime while you're on your way to the vet. This will also help control the bleeding. Remember not to bandage the injury too tight! It may cause more pain or occlude the flow of the blood. However, do know that only a veterinarian can apply a permanent bandage to your dog
6. Comfort your dog.
Your furry pal will be in pain. It might create a resounding cry or just stay quiet after you applied the first-aid. That is why it is always best to be at your dog's side to comfort him. A gentle rub on its head or on the body can help your furbaby feel relieved and comfortable.
Protect Your Dog From Broken Nails
You definitely don't want your dog to suffer from the same kind of pain again. To prevent your dog's nail from getting ripped off, there are precautionary measures you have to apply.
1. Groom your dog's nails regularly.
The shorter, the better. Longer nails are more prone to breaking. Hence, it is vital to groom your dog's nails regularly. You can trim it with a clipper or dog nail grinder to keep your furbaby's nails clean and short. Clean and healthy nails will also prevent your dog from getting wounds and infections.
2. Keep on the watch.
As much as possible, know your dog's whereabouts. If you were able to determine where he had his dog ripped off or what caused it, you definitely have to prevent your dog from going to that place again or from playing with that certain object. As a furparent, it is your responsibility to keep your dog safe at all times.
3. Prepare a first-aid kit.
Accidents can happen anytime. A broken nail might get worse next time. Although we don't wish bad things to happen, it is wise to be prepared all the time. A first-aid kit for your dog will supply the immediate your dog needs the next time unfortunate incidents happen again.
Consult Your Vet
As soon as you applied the first-aid to your dog's wound, do not forget to take a trip to the vet. You might have supplied the proper preventive measures, but it doesn't guarantee your dog's safety. A broken nail can be more than just a simple injury or perhaps, an infection has already occurred. You have to give the best care for your dog. Consult your vet for proper medication and care.
