Natural Remedies to Stop Dog Nail Bleeding

Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM

Dog nail bleeding can be caused by a variety of reasons, but the most common is accidentally trimming the nails too short. Dog owners must act fast to stop the bleeding to reduce the chances of wound infection.

To help you out, we will share the basic first-aid guidelines for dog nail bleeding and also talk about easy home remedies for this type of injury.

Anatomy of a Dog’s Nail

Before we jump right into the meat of the topic, you need to be aware of your furry pal’s nail anatomy. It will help you understand how dog nail bleeding occurs and learn how to prevent it from happening in the future.

The Quick

The quick is a soft cuticle containing a bundle of blood vessels and nerves. It is responsible for nourishing the nails and keeping them healthy. If it is accidentally nicked, dog nail bleeding is bound to take place.

The quick is easily identifiable in dogs with white nails since it has a visible pink color. However, spotting the quick on dogs with black nails can be tricky because it blends well with the dark color.

The Claw

Also known as the shell, this part of the nail is composed of keratin. It encases the sensitive structure of the quick, shielding it from potential damage.

Since the claw is devoid of blood vessels and nerves, trimming it will not cause painful dog nail bleeding.

The Bone

It is where the quick is attached to. Because they are connected, any injury to the quick may cause bone infection if not treated promptly.

Step-by-Step First Aid Guide for Dog Nail Bleeding

Dog nail bleeding is distressing to see, but you must stay calm. Keeping a clear head allows you to quickly handle the situation without adding further stress to your canine companion.

The next thing to do is to carry out the first-aid treatment process for dog nail bleeding:

1. Ask for someone to assist you. Even the gentlest dog may bite when in pain. So have a reliable friend or family member restrain Fido while you tend to his injury.
2. Use a clean cloth to minimize the bleeding. Wrap it around the affected nail and apply a gentle yet firm pressure for up to 10 minutes.
3. If dog nail bleeding continues, use an antihemorrhagic agent to stop it. We will discuss different options that you can try as you continue reading.
4. Examine your dog’s nail for damage. If a part of it is loose, you can remove it using nail clippers. However, if it inflicts too much pain on your dog, it would be best to let a veterinarian do it.
5. Keep your dog off his feet for at least 30 minutes. If the bleeding has completely stopped, carefully wash the affected area with lukewarm water. Then dry it off completely since moisture encourages bacterial growth.
6. Protect your dog’s injured nail by covering it with a bandage. It prevents exposure to harmful microbes and also keeps your dog from licking it, which can cause infections.

2 Traditional Treatments to Stop a Dog’s Nail from Bleeding

1. Styptic Powder

Styptic powder such as Kwik Stop is the most common antihemorrhagic agent used for dog nail bleeding. You can find it in pharmacies and pet stores.

Its notable ingredients are benzocaine and ferric subsulfate, which reduce pain and stop bleeding respectively.

Instructions:

1. Press your dog’s bleeding nail directly into the styptic powder. Alternatively, you can dip a moistened cotton on the powder and then apply the swap on the affected nail.
2. Apply moderate pressure on the cut for at least 30 seconds or until the dog nail bleeding has stopped.
3. Administer the styptic powder again if the injury continues to draw out blood.

Note:

Avoid wiping off the blood from your dog’s injured nail before using styptic powder. The blood helps with coagulation, which eventually stops dog nail bleeding. The same rule applies to other home remedies we listed in this article.

2. Styptic Pencil

Styptic pencil takes the form of a medicated stick made up of aluminium salts or alums. These compounds promote blood clotting.

It is generally used for minor cuts during shaving, but it can be handy for stopping dog nail bleeding too. Styptic pencil is available in pharmacies as well as in the shaving section.

Instructions:

1. Moisten the tip of the styptic pencil with water.
2. Rub it on your dog’s bleeding nail.
3. Press the pencil firmly on the cut for around 30 seconds or until the bleeding stops.

Notes:

• Some styptic pencils contain the ingredient silver nitrate. It is a chemical used for cauterization or, in layman’s terms, burning off the skin to stop bleeding. Thus, it will cause a slight stinging sensation when applied in your dog’s wound.
• Silver nitrate also causes staining on your dog’s fur, clothes, and furniture. Hence, use it with care.

3 Natural Home Remedies for Dog Nail Bleeding

If you have no styptic powder or pencil on hand, there are ways to stop dog nail bleeding at home naturally such as:

1. Cornstarch as a Natural Home Remedy for Dog Nail Bleeding

While not as hastily effective as styptics, cornstarch does the job of stopping your dog’s nail from bleeding.

It is a go-to remedy for many pawrents when they do not have any styptic powder or pencil.

Instructions:

1. Place cornstarch in a small, wide bowl.
2. Dip your dog’s bleeding nail into the bowl.
3. Apply pressure on his wound using a cloth or towel until the bleeding stops.

Note:

• If you run out of cornstarch, flour or baking soda also works as alternative remedies for dog nail bleeding. Follow the same steps provided above when using any of them.

2. Ice Cubes as a Natural Home Remedy for Dog Nail Bleeding

Applying ice cubes on your dog’s injured nail aids in slowing down the bleeding since it causes the blood vessels to contract. The coldness of the ice will also help in numbing and minimizing your furry pal’s pain.

Instructions:

1. Place 5 ice cubes in an ice pack.
2. Press the ice pack on your dog’s bleeding nail for 5 minutes.
3. Repeat the process after every interval if dog nail bleeding persists.

Note:

• Do not apply ice cubes directly on your dog’s skin as it can cause ice burns. Always wrap then with a clean towel or place them in an ice pack before using.

3. Green Tea as a Natural Home Remedy for Dog Nail Bleeding

Studies have identified that tannic acids in green tea accelerate the blood clotting process. This makes it a useful tool to stop dog nail bleeding.

Moreover, green tea possesses anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate irritation caused by the wound.

Instructions:

1. Dip a green tea teabag in cold water.
2. Press it on the injury.
3. Push down gently to apply pressure until dog nail bleeding completely stops.

When Does Dog Nail Bleeding Need Veterinary Intervention

Minor nail injuries in dogs that do not stop bleeding within 20 to 30 minutes despite using these home remedies need to get checked by a veterinarian ASAP.

We also advise skipping the use of home treatments if your dog has serious nail injuries such as ripped-off nails. Should this happen to your dog, take him immediately to an animal clinic for medical treatment.

How to Prevent Dog Nail Bleeding

Here are some tips to keep your dog’s nails safe from painful injuries and bleeding:

1. Trim your dog’s nails weekly. Overgrown nails can easily get snagged anywhere, resulting in damage.
2. Use the right nail-trimming tools. There 3 common types to choose from, namely the guillotine, grinder, and scissor variations. Avoid clippers specifically made for human use as it will likely crack Fido’s nails.
3. Avoid trimming too close to the quick. Prevent dog nail bleeding by cutting approximately 2millimeter away from this soft cuticle.
4. Shine a flashlight through a dog’s black nails to locate the quick. Then carefully snip tiny portions of the nail. Ideally, cut 1millimeter of it at a time.
5. Make your dog accustomed to your touch. Set aside some time to massage his paws or do a simulation of trimming his nails. This will keep him from getting nervous and moving around whenever it’s time for nail clipping.

FAQs About Dog Nail Bleeding

1. Should I Be Worried If My Dog’s Nail Is Bleeding?

Yes, you should be worried if your dog’s nail is bleeding. Wounds are convenient gateways for microbes to invade his body and they can cause infections. Prolonged and excessive dog nail bleeding also puts Fido at risk of blood loss.

2. Does It Hurt Dogs When Their Nails Bleed?

Yes, it hurts dogs when their nails bleed, especially if the quick sustains injury since it is composed of nerves and blood vessels. Affected dogs may whine or avoid standing on their injured paw because of the pain.

3. Will a Dog’s Bleeding Nail Heal on Its Own?

A dog bleeding nail can heal on its own provided that it is a minor injury. Regardless, it is a bad idea to skip providing first aid and proper treatment. The more you neglect dog nail bleeding, the more likely it will cause serious problems.

4. How to Stop Dog Nail Bleeding at Home?

You can stop dog nail bleeding at home using traditional antihemorrhagic treatments like styptic powder or pencil. If you do not have any of them at your disposal, other good options are cornstarch, ice cubes, and green tea.

Another method that you can work with is to soften a clean bar of scent-free soap until it turns mushy. Press your dog’s nail into it for 5 to 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.

However, keep in mind that these alternatives do not work as fast as styptics when stopping dog nail bleeding. So be patient when using them on your dog.

5. How Long Will a Dog’s Nail Bleed?

Minor dog nail bleeding typically lasts for around 20 to 30 minutes when provided first aid attention.

If your furry pal continues to bleed extended periods of time, bring him to a veterinarian immediately.

Summary

Dog nail bleeding requires immediate attention because if left untreated, it can cause serious health complications like bone infections.

Styptic powder and pencil are the traditional topical medicine used to stop dog nail bleeding. However, pawrents can also use natural home remedies such as cornstarch, ice cubes, and green tea.

These home treatments are only meant for minor dog nail bleeding. If your dog’s nail injury is severe, he should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

Learn more helpful natural home remedies for various illnesses and injuries in dogs by downloading our CanDogsEatIt app.