I'm really distressed and could use some advice or insights. My poor pup managed to injure his paw, and now his quick is exposed and just won't stop bleeding. I've tried to keep it clean and applied pressure, but every time he walks, it just starts up again. It doesn’t seem to hurt him too much, but I'm worried about infection and whether this could be more serious than it seems. I've heard a couple of things about styptic powder or even using corn starch to stop the bleeding—has anyone tried either of these? Also, should I be heading straight to the vet for this? He’s only a year old and super energetic, so keeping him calm and still is proving to be a challenge, too. Any suggestions would be incredibly appreciated.
Thanks for reaching out with your concern about your dog’s exposed quick. I know it can be worrying to see your furry friend in discomfort.
The "quick" refers to the sensitive part of your dog's nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. Bleeding usually happens if the nail is accidentally cut too short or is broken. This might occur if your dog has a particularly active lifestyle or if their nails are quite brittle.
Here are a few steps you can take at home to help manage the situation:
1. **Apply Pressure**: Gently press a clean cloth or bandage to the nail to help stop the bleeding.
2. **Styptic Powder or Pencil**: If you have styptic powder or a pencil, these can be quite effective at stopping the bleeding. Just apply it directly to the nail. If you don’t have those, cornstarch or baking soda can serve as an emergency substitute.
3. **Keep it Clean**: Make sure the area remains clean to avoid infection. You can gently wash the paw with mild soap and water.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15-20 minutes, or if you notice signs like swelling, limping, or if your dog seems to be in persistent pain, it may indicate a more serious issue.
I’d recommend scheduling a video consult with us at Dial A Vet. This way, we can take a closer look and guide you on the next steps to ensure your dog stays comfortable and healthy.
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