Trimming a dog’s nails can be a chore for pet owners, especially if your dog is particularly averse or simply isn’t used to it. However, the worst part is not the tedious nature of cutting a dog’s nails, but the fear of cutting “the quick” – the body tissue that runs through each nail bed and is filled with blood vessels. It can hurt your dog and create a bloody mess that can quickly get out of control.
Mistakes happen, and even the most experienced groomers with professional-grade nail clippers have accidentally trimmed too much of a pet’s nail. The nail grows quickly with the dog’s nail and is not so easy to distinguish in dogs with dark nails. Let’s learn how to properly stop nail bleeding so you can minimize damage to your home without hurting your dog.
Steps to Stop Bleeding Dog Nails
To be prepared
It is best to prepare all emergency supplies before starting the process of cutting your dog’s nails. Having to run to the first aid kit while your dog is bleeding is a sure-fire way to cause confusion. Make sure you have styptic powder or a styptic pencil available, as well as tablets to stop the bleeding.
If you don’t have styptic powder, you can use a mixture of cornstarch and baking soda as a DIY home remedy for minor nail injuries. In any case, keep them close to the nail clippers before starting the process.
Apply direct pressure and styptic powder
Use compresses or a paper towel to apply direct pressure to the affected nail. Then dip your dog’s paw in the styptic powder or cornstarch, repeating the process until the bleeding stops.
Keep in mind that the styptic powder may sting a little, so it may cause yelping and you may have to stop your dog from wriggling. Do not remove the blood before soaking your dog’s paw as the styptic powder will help stop the blood flow and create a blood clot.
Wash your dog’s nail with a clean cloth
Once the bleeding has stopped, blot away any excess blood and wash the wound with warm water and a bar of soap. He bandages the dog’s nail and ensures that the dog remains standing until the wound coagulates properly. If the wound does not clot properly within half an hour, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
Overall, dog parents should maintain a calm attitude and give positive reinforcement to their dogs throughout the process. A broken nail can be a stressful experience for both dogs and dog owners and must be handled with care to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
Frequently asked questions about how to stop dog nail bleeding
How can I tell my dog’s quickness from my dog’s black nails?
A dog with black nails is more likely to bleed after a nail clipping, as the healthy nail is harder to spot than a dog with white nails. However, you can easily identify the quick by looking at a dog’s semi-transparent nails and finding the center of the pink region within each nail. Be sure to continually check the speed between cuts.
How long does it take for a dog’s nail to stop bleeding?
It usually takes a good two to four minutes for a dog’s nail to stop bleeding after a cut. Make sure you keep pressure on the wound for at least this long before checking to see if the blood has clotted.
Can petroleum jelly help a dog’s nails bleed?
Vaseline is usually only used to protect your dog’s feet during outdoor walks and should not be used to stop bleeding. Use styptic powder or a mixture of cornstarch and baking soda.