The nails of our friends are, in appearance, very different from the ones we have; However, require the same care to keep them healthy and trim, otherwise the furry would have a lot of trouble walking well.
Although they are fragile and, when they break, they can bleed, in reality there is no need to be alarmed as it is usually nothing serious. Even so, you have to know how to act to solve it as soon as possible. For this reason, We are going to explain what to do if my dog breaks a nail.
Why are my dog's nails falling out?
There are two main reasons why our dear friend can end up with one or more split or broken nails. One of the most common is that have them very long. If we take him for a walk on smooth terrain, or put dog shoes on them, the nails will grow and grow, until a time comes when they will end up splitting.
The other cause is due to accidents. For example, when someone steps on you or something falls on you. In this case, in addition to breaking the nail, the furry will feel pain in his paw. Therefore, we can see that he is complaining and limping.
What to do if my dog breaks a nail?
If we see that the dog has broken a nail, we have to do the following:
- Look at the nail: clean it with water and see if it has broken all or only a part. The closer to the leg it has been broken, the more serious it will be as the nerve may have been affected. In the event that it has only broken a little at the tip, it will be enough to file it, but if it bleeds you should take it to the vet.
- Cut the bleeding with gas and hydrogen peroxide: It is difficult to stop a hemorrhage at home, but it can be tried while going to the vet by pressing the gauze well against the split nail.
- Treat it with an ointment: the professional will prescribe an antibiotic ointment and, depending on the severity, anti-inflammatories.
Can my dog's nails be prevented from splitting?
Not 100%, but you can do several things to avoid it:
- Give him a quality diet, without cereals or by-products: It will help you grow and stay in good shape and have stronger nails.
- Take him for a walk through different terrains: country, city, beach… This way your legs and your muscles will be strengthened; Plus, your nails will naturally stay short.
- Cut your nails if they are very long: If it is flesh-colored or whitish, you should cut the nails in front of the nerve. If they are dark or the nerve is not visible, it is best to let a professional do it.
- File the spur: There are some breeds and crossbreeds of dogs whose dewclaws, not being in contact with the ground, can grow to be too long, as happens, for example, with the Mallorcan shepherd or its crosses. Go observing it from time to time and file it if you see that it has grown a lot.
This way, your dog's nails can always be healthy .