Cutting a dog's nails can be a daunting task, and accidents can happen, especially if you are new to it or if your dog has black nails. One of the most common accidents that can occur is cutting your dog's nail too short, which can be painful and cause bleeding. However, there is no need to panic as this situation can be easily handled with the right knowledge and tools. In this guide, we will discuss how to stop a dog's nail from bleeding if it's cut too short.
🐾 Key Takeaways
Understanding the anatomy of your dog's nails
Before we dive into the steps on how to stop your dog's nails from bleeding, it is important to understand the anatomy of your dog's nails.
The keratin shell is the hard, outermost part of the nail that we see and trim. Made up of keratin, it provides protection and durability for the underlying sensitive structures.
Situated beneath the keratin shell, the quick is the core of the nail, filled with nerves and blood vessels. Its primary function is to nourish the nail and support its growth. The quick is sensitive; cutting into it can cause pain and bleeding. The term "cutting to the quick" stems from accidentally trimming this part of the nail.
Surrounding the quick and encased within the keratin shell, the pulp is a softer tissue layer that offers some protection to the quick. It contains both blood vessels and nerve endings.
Finally, just like in people, the nail bed in dogs is the skin beneath the nail. It is a supporting structure that is rich in blood supply, ensuring that the nail remains healthy.
Best steps to stop dog nail bleeding
If you accidentally cut your dog's nail too short and it starts to bleed, here are some steps to stop it:
- Stay calm: The first thing you need to do is stay calm and don't panic. Dogs can sense our emotions, so if you are agitated, your dog will be as well, making it harder for you to handle the situation. If your dog is worked up and agitated, the increased blood pressure will make the bleeding worse and more difficult to stop.
- Apply pressure: Applying pressure to the bleeding nail with a clean cloth or gauze can also help stop the bleeding. Hold it for a few minutes until the blood clots and stops. This technique will work well for minor bleeding.
- Apply styptic powder: Styptic powder is a lifesaver when it comes to stopping bleeding from a cut nail. It contains an ingredient called ferric subsulfate, which helps clot the blood and stop the bleeding quickly. Simply dip your dog's bleeding nail into the powder or apply it with a cotton swab if your dog won't let you touch the paw.
- Use cornstarch or baking soda: If you don't have styptic powder on hand, you can use household items such as cornstarch, baking soda/powder, or flour. Just press some of it onto the bleeding nail until it stops bleeding.
- Use a styptic pencil: A styptic pencil is another great tool to have in your first-aid kit for your dog. Simply wet the tip and apply it directly to the bleeding nail, applying slight pressure. This will help clot the blood and stop the bleeding.
What to do if your dog's nail won't stop bleeding?
If you have followed the above steps and your dog's nail still won't stop bleeding, it may be necessary to seek veterinary care. Some dogs may have a medical condition that affects their blood's ability to clot, making it harder to stop bleeding or simply their blood pressure is too high.
Your veterinarian will apply a tourniquet above the paw to control the bleeding and then apply silver nitrate to the nails quick. Silver nitrate works very well but should only be used by veterinary professionals.
Tips for cutting your dog's nails and improving your success
To avoid accidentally cutting your dog's nail too short in the future, here are some helpful tips:
- Engage their senses: Before starting, introduce your dog to the clippers. Allow them to sniff and explore the tool while offering treats and praise, making it a positive association.
- Nail mapping: Familiarize yourself with your dog's nails in natural light or with the help of a flashlight. This can help you identify the quick in translucent nails and guide you on where to cut.
- Choose the right tool: Guillotine-style, scissor-style, or grinder? Each has its merits. For larger dogs or dogs with harder nails, scissor-style might be best. They need to be sharp! Grinders can be great for smoothing out edges. At our animal hospital, we like the scissor-style trimmers.
- Practice desensitization: Regularly handle your dog's paws without trimming the nails. This gets them used to the sensation and reduces anxiety during actual trims.
- Trim after bathing: Nails are softer after a bath, making them easier to clip without splintering.
- Avoid flat cuts: Instead of cutting straight across, try a slight angle, mimicking the natural curve of the nail. This can reduce the chances of hitting the quick.
- Two-person team: Especially for nervous dogs, it might be beneficial to have one person soothing and distracting the dog while another handles the trimming.
- Praise and reward: Always conclude a nail trimming session with lots of praise, treats, or a short play session. This positive reinforcement will make future trims easier.
- Check the floor: If your dog's nails click on hard floors, it's likely time for a trim. Regular walks on concrete can also naturally help wear down their nails.
- Less is more: If unsure, it's better to trim small amounts more frequently than taking off large portions at once. This reduces the risk of cutting the quick.
- Stress signals: Be attentive to your dog's stress signals. Yawning, avoidance, or lip licking can indicate discomfort. It might be wise to pause or postpone the session if your dog is overly anxious.
- Utilize distraction: A smear of peanut butter on a lick mat or toy can keep your dog occupied and provide a positive association while you trim their nails.
How do you trim black nails in dogs?
These are the hardest nails to trim because the black pigment of the nail obscures where the quick is located, therefore making it harder to know where to cut. Here are some additional tips for trimming black dog nails:
- Use a bright light: With some lighter black nails, you can use a bright light to see through the pigment and visualize the quick. Some cellphone lights are bright enough to see the quick.
- Trim small amounts at once: It's best to trim small amounts of the nail at once and check for signs of the quick. If you see a pink spot in the center of the nail, stop trimming.
- Use a non-black nail as a guide: Sometimes, not all the nails are dark and black. Find a nail that is not pigmented and learn where the quick is. You can then use this as a guide to where it may be located on the black nails.
FAQs
How to stop dog nail bleeding without styptic powder?
You can safely use cornstarch, baking powder/soda, or regular flour. Press the power directly onto the nail. You may need to re-apply multiple times before the bleeding stops.
How much of the nail can I cut?
The quick will grow with the nail so even if your dog's nails are long, you can still only take off a bit at a time. If you can, aim to trim their nails once every 2-4 weeks as this will cause the quick to regress.
How often should I cut my dog's nails?
The frequency of nail trimming depends on the individual dog and their activity levels. For some dogs, it may be necessary to trim their nails every few weeks, while others may only need it done every couple of months.
Accidents happen, and cutting your dog's nail too short is a common one. However, with the right knowledge and tools, you can easily stop the bleeding and prevent further complications. Remember to stay calm, be prepared, and seek veterinary care if necessary. By following the tips for cutting your dog's nails and trimming black dog nails, you can improve your success and make nail trims less stressful for both you and your dog.