Help! My Dog Broke A Nail
Broken nails are a common injury that dogs experience throughout their lifetime. Just think about it! Their paws experience a lot of traction – from carpet and grass to rugged terrain. It makes sense that their toenails take a hit at times. So, what do you do when your dog breaks a nail? Continue reading on for further information.
One thing that we need to know is that most dogs will have five toes on their front paws, and four on their back paws. Much like humans, dog’s nails are constantly growing. With their paws meeting many different materials, nails can easily become snagged along the way. Dogs can experience a snag while jumping, digging, or even in the carpet. Regardless of the cause, it is a painful injury that should be taken seriously.
Due to the potential for pain and infection from a nail injury, you may need to contact your veterinarian for further care. However, if you noticed the injury at home, you may be able to try these things first.
- You will need to restrain your dog so you can examine the injured area. You may expect your dog to be a bit hesitant as this area is super tender. You will need to take your dog to the vet if they are in too much pain.
- Is there bleeding involved? Grab some corn starch! This will help “plug” the area and stop the bleeding. Keep in mind that you should never apply a bandage yourself at home as this can be damaging to the paw.
- You can attempt to remove a small section from the nail, if possible. You should only do this if the dog is tolerating the pain. Otherwise, you will need to visit the vet.
We hope that our tips help you if your dog breaks a nail. It is a common occurrence but following the correct procedures will prevent infection.
