Caleb Foster
Dog toenails are very similar to human nails, but they are attached to the end of their phalanges, or toe bones. Toenails play an essential role in a dog's health, helping them to dig, hold chew toys, run, and scratch itches. However, they can be prone to injury, with dogs breaking their nails by snagging them on objects or landing on them in an awkward way. Nails can also become brittle and more likely to break due to bacterial or fungal infections, or the rare inflammatory disease lupoid onychodystrophy. If a dog's nail is broken, it may be necessary to cut the nail above the break to remove any remaining damaged portions. This can be painful and may require sedation, so it is often best to seek veterinary care. To prevent nail injuries, it is important to keep nails trimmed, as short nails are less likely to break.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of chipped nail | Getting caught in a door, fence, carpet, upholstery fibres, grass roots, jumping off a chair or landing on a toe |
| Other causes | Bacterial infections, fungal infections, ingrown nails, lupoid onychodystrophy |
| Symptoms | Bleeding, pain, limping, licking foot excessively, change in behaviour |
| First aid treatment | Restrain the dog, control bleeding with gauze or a towel, apply styptic powder or alternatives like flour or cornstarch, gently remove loose pieces of nail, bandage the foot |
| Prevention | Regular nail maintenance, trimming nails weekly, using sharp nail trimmers, feeding a high-quality diet with necessary nutrients |
| Veterinary treatment | Antibiotics, pain medication, oral or injectable antibiotics, trimming the nail above the break, applying antibiotic ointment or powder, bandaging the foot |
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent chipped nails in dogs
Dog nail injuries are common and can be painful. To prevent chipped nails in dogs, it is important to keep their nails healthy and well-maintained. Here are some ways to do that:
Regular Nail Trimming
The most effective way to prevent nail injuries in dogs is to keep their nails trimmed. Short nails are less likely to get caught on things and break than long nails. It is recommended to clip your dog's nails weekly to prevent overgrowth. However, be careful not to cut into the quick of the nail, which is the inner spongy tissue made of blood vessels and nerves. Exposing the quick can be painful and lead to infection. If you are unsure about trimming your dog's nails, ask your veterinarian or a groomer to show you the proper technique or perform the task for you.
Provide Suitable Scratching Surfaces
If your dog likes to scratch or dig, provide them with appropriate scratching surfaces, such as scratching posts or pads. This will help reduce stress on their nails and prevent them from breaking.
Protect Nails with Dog Booties or Paw Balms
When your dog is outdoors on rough surfaces, consider using dog booties or applying paw balms to their feet. These can shield their nails from potential damage and reduce the risk of chipping.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet with the right nutrients is essential for maintaining strong and healthy nails in dogs. Ensure your dog's diet includes the necessary nutrients to promote nail health.
Prevent Chewing or Biting of Nails
Dogs may attempt to chew or bite their nails due to discomfort or irritation, but this can worsen the injury and lead to infection. Use recovery cones or other methods to prevent your dog from chewing or licking their nails, as this can help minimize the risk of further damage.
By following these steps and staying vigilant about your dog's nail care, you can help prevent chipped nails and keep their nails healthy and strong.
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What to do if your dog's nail is chipped
A chipped or broken nail is a common injury in dogs. It can be painful and may cause bleeding. If your dog has a broken nail, follow these steps:
Restrain your dog safely
Have someone help you restrain your dog while you tend to the nail. Even the nicest dog may bite when in pain. A muzzle may help to avoid injury. You can also provide restraint in the form of a hug, which immobilizes the dog and makes it feel secure.
Control the bleeding
Gently wrap the foot in gauze or a towel. Be cautious when wrapping the paw to avoid wrapping it too tightly, as this can result in swelling. If the bleeding does not stop within 10 minutes, apply a cauterizing powder or styptic pencil to the nail. You can also use flour or cornstarch.
Remove loose pieces of the nail
If there are any loose pieces of the nail that may snag and cause further damage, gently remove them with sharp trimmers. Cut the nail above the break to remove any remaining damaged portions.
Protect the nail bed
Cover the exposed nail bed with antibiotic ointment or powder to protect the quick, which is the inner spongy tissue made from blood vessels and nerves.
Bandage the foot
Your vet may also prescribe an oral antibiotic and pain medication to prevent infection and keep your dog comfortable as the nail heals.
Keep your dog in a clean environment
Limit their time outside until the nail is healed. Use an e-collar to prevent your dog from licking at the nail constantly.
Consult your veterinarian
If the bleeding continues, take your dog to your veterinarian or an urgent care clinic. Your dog may be given antibiotics to help prevent nail bed infection or pain medication to make them more comfortable.
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Common causes of chipped nails in dogs
Dogs' toenails are very similar to human nails. However, unlike human nails, dogs' nails are attached to the end of their phalanges or toe bones. Toenails play an essential role in a dog's overall health. They help dogs dig, hold chew toys between their paws, run, and scratch uncomfortable itches.
There are several common causes of chipped nails in dogs. Firstly, overgrown nails are very common and can easily be prevented by clipping them. Dogs can easily break a nail by running through the brush, over low shrubs, or in the park. It is recommended to clip dogs' nails weekly to prevent them from overgrowing.
Secondly, physical trauma during play or incorrect trimming of the nails can cause chipped nails. This can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that may require veterinary treatment.
Thirdly, bacterial and fungal infections can affect dogs' nails, making them more susceptible to injury. Conditions that can cause bacterial infections in nail beds include environmental and food allergies. A fungal infection in the nail onychomycosis can cause nails to become brittle and more likely to split, crack, or tear.
Lastly, a rare inflammatory disease called lupoid onychodystrophy can cause abnormal nail formations in dogs, making them more prone to injuries.
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How to treat a dog's exposed quick
If your dog has a chipped nail, it may be tempting to cut it, but you should refrain from doing so if it's bleeding or broken. Instead, follow these steps to treat your dog's exposed quick:
First, get your dog to sit and lay down so you can examine its paw. The nail bed, where the nail is attached to the toe, is delicate and contains blood vessels and nerves. If the quick is exposed, it will be painful for your dog. Use a clean cloth to apply gentle pressure to stop any bleeding. Keep your dog calm, as excitement will increase blood flow. If the bleeding doesn't stop after 5 minutes, apply styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch to the exposed quick.
Next, safely restrain your dog and wrap its foot in gauze or a towel to protect the nail bed and prevent infection. Be cautious not to wrap it too tightly, as this can cause swelling. If the bleeding continues, take your dog to the veterinarian, who may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication.
In the future, to prevent your dog's nail quick from becoming exposed, ensure that you are using proper nail-cutting techniques. Keep your dog calm during the process and cut its nails regularly, ideally once a month. Additionally, make sure your dog is getting proper nutrition, as a lack of nutrients can lead to brittle nails that break easily.
By following these steps, you can effectively treat your dog's exposed quick and prevent it from happening again.
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When to take your dog to the vet for a chipped nail
A chipped or broken nail is a common injury in dogs. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, including getting a nail caught in a door or fence, snagging it on the carpet, or bacterial and fungal infections. If your dog has a chipped nail, you should assess the severity of the injury and take the necessary steps to provide first aid and prevent further complications. Here are some guidelines on when to take your dog to the vet for a chipped nail:
When to Seek Veterinary Care
- Excessive bleeding: If the nail is bleeding profusely and you are unable to stop the bleeding through home treatments such as applying pressure with a gauze pad or using styptic powder, it is best to take your dog to the vet.
- Pain or tenderness: If your dog is showing signs of pain or tenderness when the affected area is touched, it is important to seek veterinary care. The vet may prescribe pain medication to make your dog more comfortable during the healing process.
- Infection: If the nail bed becomes infected, it can lead to serious bone infections. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. The vet may prescribe oral or injectable antibiotics to treat the infection.
- Difficulty walking: If your dog is limping or having difficulty walking due to the chipped nail, it is best to seek veterinary care. The vet can assess the severity of the injury and provide treatment to alleviate pain and promote healing.
- Multiple nails affected: If you notice changes in multiple toenails, it is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian. This could indicate an underlying health condition or a nail disorder that requires veterinary treatment.
- Underlying trauma: In some cases, a broken nail may be a result of underlying trauma to the bones or joints. If you suspect any trauma beyond the nail itself, take your dog to the vet for an X-ray to ensure there are no further complications.
It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your dog's health. If you are unsure about the severity of the chipped nail or how to provide proper care, it is best to consult your veterinarian for guidance and treatment options.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the severity of the injury. If the nail is split to the base, there is excessive bleeding, or your dog is in pain, it is best to take your dog to the vet. If the injury is minor, you can trim the nail to prevent further damage. However, it is important to be careful when cutting your dog's nails, as cutting into the quick can be very painful and cause bleeding.
Regular nail maintenance is the best way to prevent nail injuries. Keep your dog's nails trimmed short, as long nails are more prone to breaking and splitting. You can use nail clippers or a grinder, cutting the tips of the nails at a 45-degree angle while avoiding the quick.
If your dog's nail is bleeding, you can use styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch to stop the bleeding and help form a clot. You should then gently clean the nail with warm water or a saline solution and apply a gauze pad to stop any further bleeding. It is important to prevent your dog from licking or chewing at the nail, as this can worsen the injury and lead to infection.
