Handling a Broken Nail in Dogs: Tips and Tricks for Pet Owners

One of the most heart-wrenching moments you can experience as a pet owner is seeing your furry companion in pain. Every time your pet goes through an ordeal, you too feel the ache. One of the most common injuries that pets (especially dogs) experience is a broken nail. The nail can be partially broken or completely detached, either way, it can be a painful experience for your pet. So, what should you do when you find your dog has broken a nail? In this blog post, we’ll explore what you can do to ease your pet’s pain and prevent any further damage.

Inspect and Clean the Wound

The first thing you should do is inspect the wound to determine the extent of the damage. If the nail is partially broken, you may notice a small amount of bleeding. However, if the nail is completely broken or detached, the wound can be quite severe. Once you have inspected the wound, clean it using a mild antiseptic solution and warm water. If you don't have any antiseptic solution, just clean it with water. Note that if the nail is still attached, do NOT remove it as it can cause more pain and bleeding.

Bandage the Wound

After cleaning the wound, you can bandage it using a sterile gauze pad or a clean cloth. The bandage should be snug enough to stay in place, but not too tight to cut off circulation. You can also use a small amount of petroleum jelly to prevent the bandage from sticking to the wound.

Provide Pain Relief

A broken nail can be quite painful for your pet. As such, you should provide pain relief to ease your pet's discomfort. One way to do this is by giving your pet an over-the-counter pain medication that is safe for dogs. However, do NOT give your dog any medication, including aspirin, without consulting a veterinarian first.

Schedule an Appointment with a Vet

While you may have taken all the necessary steps to ease your pet's pain, it is important to seek professional veterinary care. A vet will be able to examine your pet and determine the extent of damage. They may also prescribe medication to manage pain and prevent any further complications.

How Zoomies Pet Care Can Help

As a pet owner, it's important to know how to handle a broken nail in case your dog ever goes through that. While nail injuries can be concerning, with the right care, your pet can recover quickly.

If you're a pet owner in the Griffin area, you can count on Zoomies Pet Care to provide compassionate and professional pet care services for your furry companions. Our team of experienced professionals can provide your pet with the care they need. Whether you simply need advice or if your pet is experiencing a broken nail, we are here to help. We offer a range of services, including pet walking, pet sitting, and transportation to and from veterinary appointments. Schedule an appointment with Zoomies Pet Care today and let us help your pet get back on their paws.

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