Before we cover ways to help treat a dog’s nail injuries, we have to look at the anatomy of a dog’s nail. There are three main parts to be aware of: the bone, the quick, and the shell.
Not sure if your dog has a broken nail? Here are a few signs to watch for that can indicate issues with your dog’s nail or other underlying conditions:
⚠️ While nail damage can be a common injury for your furry friend, it can be very painful. Veterinary care and a vet-approved healing process is the best way to address chronic or acute nail problems. Your vet can offer pain control and can monitor for infections to keep your pet as healthy as possible in the process.
Slight nail breaks with minimal bleeding can often be treated safely at home. However, it’s important to take the right precautions to reduce infection risk and promote proper healing. Here are a few at-home care tips for your dog’s broken nail:
Keep a pet first aid kit on hand — Being prepared in the event of injury is a big part of responsible dog ownership. First aid kits often contain things like gauze, bandages, or antiseptics to help treat minor injuries at home.
Muzzle your dog if need be — Dogs in pain will sometimes lash out or bite. If you fear this might happen, consider putting a muzzle on your pup before tending to their injury. You can also ask a trusted friend to help gently hold and soothe your dog so you have proper use of both arms as you trim.
Remove broken nail bits — You can use dog nail clippers to trim away any damaged pieces. If the cut is too close to the quick, you may want to err on the side of caution and visit the vet.
Stop the bleeding — Apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean towel to stop the blood flow. You can also use a coagulant like Kwik Stop or other styptic powder or a styptic pencil.
👉 In a pinch, regular flour or cornstarch is safe to use to help stop the bleeding, too.
One of the most common results of a dog’s broken nail is bleeding. Often with breaks, the quick’s blood vessels are exposed, leading to heavy bleeding.
As with many canine conditions, prevention plays a big role. In the case of broken nails, proper nail grooming is a must. Long nails are at greater risk of snagging or getting caught and breaking or tearing off. Trimming your dog’s nails might seem daunting, but the process is simple and can be learned with practice. Here are a few tips to keep the process easy and safe for both of you:
Make your dog comfortable — Many dogs don’t like their paws touched, so be sure to work gently. Have a treat or two on hand to reward your pup for sitting calmly and patiently, and speak to them in a quiet, soothing voice as you go. It can make the difference between a hectic ordeal and a simple nail-trimming session!
Find the right tools — Nail care for dogs often includes either clippers or a nail grinder. Some dogs may prefer one to the other, so if one isn’t working for you, try switching things up. You can also ask your vet for recommendations.
Clip only the tip of the nail — Cutting past the curve can risk exposing the quick, potentially causing heavy bleeding. Instead of making a large chop at first, work little by little, and don’t cut too far up. This can be tricky if your dog has black nails and you can’t see the quick, so be extra mindful.
👉 If you’re having trouble finding where the quick begins, it may be best to take your dog to a groomer. They can help you to identify where your pet’s quick is, as this can vary from pet to pet.
Don’t forget the dew claws — A dew claw is a dog’s toenail on the upper, inner part of the front feet. Since they don’t wear down through contact with the ground while walking, they may need extra attention to avoid growing too long.
Some dog breeds have intact rear declaws or even double dew claws as part of the normal breed characteristics, so watch for those in Pyrenees or Briards or Beaucerons. Anatolian Shepherds are also known for having double dewclaws.
Dr. Bruce Armstrong
Aside from a break, there are many types of injuries that can happen to dog toenails. Learning how to identify each type can help you to proactively protect your dog’s health. Here are a few of the most common causes of damaged nails:
Not always. If the bleeding is minimal, there are ways to treat broken nails at home, like using styptic powder to stop bleeding and wrapping it with a clean bandage. However, if bleeding doesn’t stop, please take your dog to the vet.
Yes. Dogs’ nails heal even quicker than humans’, and can return in as little as a few weeks with proper care. Regular trimming can keep nails healthy and shortened, lowering the risk of breakage from snags or trauma.
Broken nails can be treated by cleaning and bandaging the wound. Vets may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication to combat infection and relieve pain.
Regular nail trims are the best way to keep dogs from breaking their nails. Short and trim nails are less likely to snag on objects, causing splitting or breaking.
