I don't know what's going on — my poor Max just broke his nail and I'm kind of freaking out. It happened when we were playing in the backyard this afternoon, and now it's bleeding a bit. Of course, it's Sunday evening, and all the vets are closed around here. He’s limping and looking at me with those sad eyes, and I'm honestly unsure what to do. I've tried to gently clean it, but he keeps pulling away, and I'm worried about infection. Any advice on how to help him through the night until I can get him to a vet? Would be super grateful for any tips or tricks.
Appreciate the question—let's unpack this. A broken nail can be pretty uncomfortable for your dog, and it's understandable that you're concerned, especially with no vets available nearby. When a nail breaks, it can cause bleeding and pain, and can sometimes lead to infection if not addressed properly.
First, try to calm your dog and gently examine the paw. If the nail is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. You can also use a styptic powder if you have it at home to help stop the bleeding. Make sure to clean the area with warm water to prevent any dirt or bacteria from getting into the wound.
Keep an eye on your dog to ensure they're not licking or biting at the injury, as this can introduce bacteria. You might want to consider putting a temporary bandage or wrapping the paw to keep it clean.
Monitor the wound closely for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or a bad odor. Also, if your dog seems very uncomfortable or limping persistently, this could indicate a more serious issue.
While these steps can help in the meantime, I recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet to better assess the situation and get personalized advice for your furry friend.
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's
not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely.
For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our
content guidelines.