What To Do If Your Dog Breaks A Nail

I can tell you firsthand that it is not a pleasant experience when you break a nail. Not only does it ruin a perfectly good manicure, but it also hurts pretty bad. I can’t even imagine how awful it is to break a nail when you are a dog. Unfortunately for our furry friends, this painful injury can happen in just about any circumstance. For instance, your pup’s paws may snag in your favorite sweater or get caught on a carpet. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, the risk of nail breakage increases as your furry friend gets holder. This is why pet parents of senior dogs need to be extra vigilant about their pups’ nails. 

Photo by Ja San Miguel on Unsplash

If you notice that your pup has broken their nail, gently grab your furry friend to keep them still. You may have noticed that the nail is bleeding. If that is the case, VCA Animal Hospitals recommends getting a towel and “applying pressure” to the affected area. 

Now, you can attempt to trim the part of the nail that is damaged. However, it is in your dog’s best interest to take them to the vet, as they can fix the nail with more precision. The veterinarian will also give your dog the necessary antibiotics to ensure the injured nail will not get infected. Your furry friend may also be given some medication to lessen their pain. 

One way to lessen the chance of your furry friend breaking their nails is to trim them. Thankfully, trimming your dog’s nails is a fairly easy task and can be done at home. That being said, please consult your vet to make sure that your pet’s nails are healthy before you start giving them pedicures. 

Once you’ve got that settled, you can begin the process in 3 easy steps. 

Gather Your Supplies:

Before you start trimming, you are going to need a few tools. You can choose a nail trimmer or a nail grinder. 

Prepare Your Dog:

Most dogs hate getting their nails trimmed and may act aggressively out of fear. To avoid being bit or clawed at, you should take the necessary steps to make your canine companion feel comfortable. The American Kennel Club recommends spending an entire week warming your dog up to the idea of you cutting their nails. During those seven days, play with their paws and allow them to get familiar with the grooming tools through sight, smell, and touch. Giving them a few treats always helps.

Trim Their Nails Using The Proper Technique: 

Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash

If you decide on a traditional nail trimmer, the AKC advises you to start by “plac[ing] your thumb on the pad of a toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe on the skin above the nail.” You will then want to gently “push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad” so that your dog’s nail extends. From there, you can begin clipping your dog’s nail tips. 

In my opinion, using a grinder is even easier. Hold onto your dog's puppy's paw and gently press the grinder to the tip of the nail. 

HealthNicole MooreHow To, dog tips, health, Healthy Living for DogsComment