Treatment of a broken or fractured nail The most important thing to do straight away is to stop your dog from licking its foot or nail. Dogs and cats have bacteria in their mouth, which can cause an infection if they lick a broken nail.
Nail Trauma:
If a nail is broken or traumatized, they may lick the area later that day or the next day to help soothe the area. Excessive licking of a paw or lameness can be associated with nail trauma. Some dogs may not like the paw being handled if a traumatized nail is making the area sensitive.
The quick within a dog's nail is a “vascular structure,” meaning it has nerves and lots of blood vessels within it. So when it sustains an injury, it is painful for the dog—and there tends to be a lot of bleeding. Cutting your dog's nail too much and seeing it bleed can be a traumatizing event.
Control bleeding by wrapping the foot in gauze or a towel and applying pressure to the injured toe. If the bleeding does not stop in 5-10 minutes, apply a styptic pencil, silver nitrate stick, or cauterizing powder to the nail.
If bleeding cannot be controlled after 20 – 30 minutes, proper clotting is not taking place and a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Also consult a vet if the dog's toe later becomes red, swollen or does not appear to be improving after a few days.
Most broken nails will heal by themselves over 1-2 weeks. However this causes unacceptable discomfort in the meantime. The loose nail is still partly attached to the injured nailbed, and even the slightest movement creates intense pain.
Recovery Tips: How to Help Your Dog Heal
Generally, dogs start feeling better within 48 hours. Total recovery takes some time, as the nail needs to re-grow so as to completely cover the vulnerable quick. Generally, this takes two weeks, according to Dr.
Vet costs average between $50–$80 for the exam and supplies, perhaps an additional $20 for the full nail trim, $20–$60 for medication, and up to $100 for sedation. So you're looking at around $200–$300 total in costs to fix your dog's broken nail at the vet (better than the injury leading to infection!).
If a dog nail quick is exposed, clean and wrap it to prevent infection. If the bleeding does not stop, visit your vet immediately.
Just like human nails, dogs do not have any feeling in the nail itself, but the quick contains a nerve that transmits sensations back to the brain. When trimming the nail, it is important to stay far enough from the quick to avoid causing pain or drawing blood.
Signs that your pet may have a nail or nailbed infection could include redness, swelling, or discharge from the skin surrounding the nail, or discoloration or deformation of the claw itself. Your dog may also lick her paw or exhibit signs of pain or lameness on the affected paw or paws.
Pet Safety
Dogs lick at their paws and nails and even when the polish has dried it can still be harmful. Human nail polish contains formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate, which are extremely toxic for dogs.
Many clients ask us if they should let their dog lick his cut paw. Although some licking can help to kill bacteria, excessive licking can cause the wound to reopen and potentially become infected. You should not let your dog lick his cut paw.
Atopy (inhalant allergies) is the most common cause for excessive paw licking and nail chewing in dogs. Like in humans, airborne allergens often cause intense itchiness. Dogs then lick and chew their paws to relieve the atopy itchies.
Clean the area with a pet safe antiseptic spray or wash. Bandage the area and use medical tape to secure the wrap (make sure it is not too tight as this can restrict blood flow).
Fungal nail infections typically don't go away on their own, and the best treatment is usually prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth. In severe cases, a healthcare professional might remove the nail completely. It can take several months to a year for the infection to go away.
If after 30 minutes you can't get your dog's nail to stop bleeding, you should consult your vet or take them in for a visit. It's no surprise that your dog may be a little leery of future nail trims. However, with a little positive reinforcement and reassurance from you, they can overcome one unpleasant experience.
Additionally, it is extremely painful for most dogs. If it is not possible to have your dog seen immediately, try to clean the area, place a bandage or light wrap over the area to keep it clean and dry, put an e-collar on them to make sure your dog can't lick it, and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Pet insurance is designed to cover care for unexpected illnesses and accidents such as broken dog nails! Be sure to check with your provider or read over your policy if you're unsure.
That is, the open blood vessels will clot and close quite quickly. However, the nail that is no longer covering the exposed quick can take up to 10 days to regrow and protect the nerves and capillaries that nourish it. A nail that is completely ripped off will take a minimum of two months to regrow.
Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant and antiseptic used on dogs to remove unwanted bacterial or fungal growth from the skin. It can be used for a number of reasons, from keeping wounds clean to treating skin infections.