Broken Nail
If your cat or dog has broken their nail, it is NOT (usually) an emergency! Just like us, pets can break their nails, especially if they get too long. You may see your pet limping, licking, or holding their paw up. A broken nail may bleed, but don’t panic! This is a common occurrence and easy to treat.
The red part you may see is called the Quick. It is tissue and blood supply. When the shell of the nail has broken off, it will dry out, shrivel, and eventually the nail will regrow from the bed.
Your job is to;
- Stay calm. This will keep your pet calm.
- Remove any hanging or loose nail shell pieces by clipping them off.
- If the nail is bleeding and you don’t have Quick Stop, you can use a little bit of corn starch or baking flour to encourage clotting. Never use hydrogen peroxide on an open wound!
- Wrap the paw or use a baby sock to keep the area from getting dirty. A bandage should never be tight or wet!
- Use an e-collar to keep the pet from licking the nail which will cause infection and inflammation.
- Schedule a vet appointment. Depending on the severity or if the pet has been licking, your pet may need pain medication or antibiotics.
Below is a guideline for proper nail trimming to avoid breakage!
