Home Remedy For Dog Nail Bleeding
In a dog's average life span of 10 to 13 years, it is certain to suffer nail bleeding. Though not part of it's biological cycle, dog nail bleeding arises as a result of various reasons which will be highlighted in details in the course of this article.
As dogs owners, the well-being of your mutts is no doubt a primary concern to you, and thus when you notice bleeding from your dog's nails you may be alarmed.
Though the logical move may be to seek immediate professional medical help, your action in remedying your dog's hurt nail before the bleeding clots plays a very fundamental role in the recurrence of the bleeding, diagnosing the source of the bleeding and how quick your dog recovers from nail bleeding.
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Thus it's important that every dog owner is aware of the necessary steps to be taken when a dog experiences nail bleeding. In this article, we discuss steps in effectively dealing with dog nail bleeding. To ensure the goal of this article is ultimately achieved we'll discuss causes for dog nail bleeding.
To administer basic first aid on a bleeding dog nail do not require advanced medical knowledge, but careful observation and a little bit of experience.
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Why Do Dog Nails Bleed
From accidents, injuries to debilitating infections, nail bleeding can be caused by a whole lot of reasons, some of which are explained in details below.
Canine Nail Trimming
Most cases of dog nail bleeding is often related to trimming. During trimming of dog nails, especially an hyperactive dog who is not stable, there may be injuries caused by accidents. This may thus led to rapid bleeding.
Aside the accidental cuts during trimming, a dog nail bleeds during trimming when it is cut at the quick cuticle rather than at the white. Quick refers to the blood rich nails, under which the blood flows, while white refer to the overgrown nails. When the nail is cut too short at the quick, nail bleeding occurs.
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Brittle Nails and Injuries
Dogs who have brittle nails are especially prone to nail injuries which lead to nail bleeding. Brittle nails may occur as a result of nutritional deficiency, genetics or health conditions such as Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy which is a health condition that affects the immune system of dogs.
Dogs with this medical condition often are prone to nail injuries which lead to bleeding. Dogs also afflicted with yeast infection will suffer from brittle nails as a side effect of their affliction. Nail tumors and inflammations also bring about nail weakness and brittleness.
Fungal infections such as Onychomycosis, also bring about brittle nail condition. Brittle nails have weak attachment to the nail beds and upon rapid movement especially in rigorous and difficult terrains, nails may snap and lead to nail bleeding.
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Nail Biting / Pulling
Although unhygienic, dogs gnaw at their nails just as how humans do so. This action should be discouraged in dogs. Often, when dogs have overgrown nails, in urgent need of trimming, they may eventually help themselves to the trimming by biting their nails.
In the course of doing this, they may cut the quick cuticle, which brings about nail bleeding. Sometimes, when a dog regularly gnaws at his nails, he may do so even when his nails are not overgrown. This habitual gnawing of it's nail may likely lead to a nicked quick which may lead to nail bleeding.
Highlighted above are three reasons why dogs experience nail bleeding. Understanding the cause of nail bleeding is essential to dealing with nail bleeding. In the next section, we'll review home remedies in dealing with dog nail bleeding.
Steps To Be Taken And Remedies To Stop Nail Bleeding
Upon the sight of blood, several individuals become hysterical with heightened emotions such as panic and anxiety. When a dog experiences nail bleeding, it is important that the caregiver, most likely the dog owner remain calm as this will make it easy in administering the right first aid treatment.
Apply Pressure: When bleeding is noticed in a dog's nail, it's important that pressure is applied on the affected nail. This will make it easy for the blood to be easily cleaned and also reduce the bleeding.
Unlike humans, the biological nature of certain dog's make them allergic and unperceptive to some of this substances.
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Apply Styptic Powder: The most effective and fastest way to bring an end to nail bleeding is the use of Styptic Powder. Styptic Powder acts both as an anesthesia and anti hemorrhagic medication in dealing with nail bleeding.
At times, Styptic Pencils may not be readily available. In this case, readily available home remedies can be used to stop nail bleeding.
Home remedies such as Baking Powder or soda, Flour or cornstarch can be used to stop nail bleeding. In order for the end goal to be achieved when using these home remedies, earnest effort should be used applied when compressing the bleeding nails.
Without this, bleeding may not stop. Baking Powder, flour or cornstarch should be poured into your palm and the bleeding nail should be dipped into it, until it is covered by it. A towel or clean clothes should then be used in compressing the nails until the bleeding stops.
Do not be shy at exerting force when applying pressure, but do not exercise brute force as it will be painful to your dog. Some dogs may not be receptive towards dipping their bleeding nails into flours, baking soda or cornstarch, if this is the case with your dog, you can apply baking powder or baking soda, flour or cornstarch with a cotton applicator, ensure the bleeding nail surface is covered with it, before compressing.
Even if the bleeding do not appear to stop immediately, do not remove the baking powder, soda or cornstarch as it will aid in coagulation.
In the absence of flour, baking powder or soda and cornstarch, another home remedy can be used to end nail bleeding. Soaps can be used to be bring an end to nail bleeding. Solid soap should be dampened before applying to the bleeding nail.
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The bleeding nail should be inserted into the damp soap which should be mushy. Pressure should then be applied in order to end the bleeding. A piece of soap which should be dampened and mushy can be cut and wrapped around the bleeding nail and pressure applied. For minor nail bleeding, soap can be rubbed on the surface of the bleeding nail.
Another alternative which can be used for steady nail bleeding is ice, which should be wrapped around the towel used in compression. Ice should not be used alone but along with soap. Dry teabags can also be made used of in applying pressure to bleeding nails.
After stopping bleeding, to ensure quick recovery and prevent recurrent bleeding, your dog should be be made to lay still for about 30 minutes. The affected nail should also be bandaged properly to aid recovery.
To keep your dog occupied while resting, you could place a stuff Kong filled with it's favorites snacks around it. This serves a good way of distracting your dog from seeking other adventures.
The above listed steps applies to minor nail bleeding. Bleeding should often stop within minutes, but certain nail bleeding can be so severe that it lasts up to 20 minutes. While your dog may not lose a whole lot of blood from nail bleeding, continuous bleeding which last for as long as 20 minutes is an indication your dog requires the attention of a qualified medical professional.
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