My dog doesn't like getting his nails cut, and because of squirming I cut them too short. One is bleeding..

Question

I don't think he's lost any more blood than we would cutting our nails too short. I just want to stop the bleeding but I'm not sure if dressing it would help.

Answer 1

Don't panic. I like to keep a little plastic container of corn starch on hand. (1 dog, 1 cat, 4 guinea pigs - I have a lot of nail trimming happening.) If you cut a little too short and draw blood, just dip the paw in the container. This stops the bleeding instantly.

Answer 2

Don't worry, we all cut the nails too short occasionally and it's not a big deal. You can get a styptic powder like KwikStop at most pet supply stores, just press a little bit on the end of the nail to stop the bleeding. In a pinch you can use flour, but it doesn't work as well.

If you're clipping and cut a nail too short, DON'T make a big deal of it. If you get upset or make like it's a problem, it will upset the dog, but if you treat it matter of factly then it's less likely to upset them. Continue clipping the rest of the nails, or at least finish that foot, then put on the powder. My dogs get treats and bellyrubs for nail clipping, they actually come round wanting their turn when I pull out the clippers.

Keep at it, if you insist that they have to be done he will get used to it. Do them often (every week or two) so it becomes routine.

Answer 3

It takes a while for the bleeding to stop i did the same thing, next time just take the tips off but do it once a month that way you will keep its nails short and not be worried about doing it again but if it has all white nails whatever you do DONT cut in to the pink bit because it will bleed again

Answer 4

If you have some stypitc powder like for shaving cuts or Quick Stop other than that you can use flour just dip the end of the nail in it. It will stop and your dog will not bleed that much from it but they sure do make a mess while bleeding. I have done it once or twice too.

Answer 5

if you are ok with clipping your dogs nails at home one of the most important things to have is styptic powder! It stops bleeding. Because the kwik is often hard to see it is very common to go too far, don't worry a little nip actually causes no pain, but the bleeding could last for a while. Invest in some, you can find it at pretty much any pet store.

Answer 6

It's almost impossible to keep a dressing on a dog's foot. To stop the bleeding use constant pressure on the injured nail -- (that means holding a clean towel or washcloth directly on the wound, and applying pressure with your finger) -- until the bleeding stops. If it doesn't stop within 3 minutes, you need to get your dog to an emergency room.

If the cut isn't too deep, you can also apply "stiptic powder" to the wound to help coagulate the blood.

Answer 7

There are special powders you can get form a pet store to put on a bleeding nail. And of course, always remember that unlike humans, dogs have a vein that runs into their nail. Sometimes it is just best to let a vet or dog groomer cut them.

Answer 8

It may make it easier if you can get someone to help you hold your dog while you trim. Dogs have a pink "quick" or blood vessel in their toes that should be visible if the toenails are white. A styptic pencil or powder will stop the bleeding. The bleeding is not usually a big concern, but it can be painful, just like in you and me.

Answer 9

For now, you can use flour or cornstarch (better). In the future, pet stores sell stuff call Quick-Stop. I've never used it so I don't know if it is any better than cornstarch. I use the cornstarch on my parakeets when they break blood wings though. My vet said it would do just fine.

Also, do you have someone there that can distract the dog as you try to clip the nails? I have to have my husband distract our dog with cheerios (better than the fatty treats) untilI get his nails trimmed. Actually, he got used to me doing it and now I don't need him distracted as much.

Lastly, make sure you use clippers that works like scissors. See below:
http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_Product_R_7910_PC_productlist_Nav_185_N_22+102+30+4878_sku_848506_familyID_14267.aspx

I find these easier to use because I can better see how much nail I'm clipping. The other kind (this says for cats, but mine were for dogs):

http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?R=7423&Nav=1&N=0&Ntt=nail+clippers&sku=319988&familyID=15406&

I find them too difficult to correctly cut the nail- especially if your dog squirms. Just a preference.


Good luck!

Answer 10

There is a powder you can get at the pet store designed especially for that. It's relatively cheap and works great. You will definitely want to get it for future cuttings because now that you have nipped him and he bled he won't trust you next time and the squirming will be considerably worse. Buy the powder and be prepared, otherwise just take the dog to have them professionally cut.