In the center of the dog's nails is a more pink area, the living part, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If you mistakenly cut it, the dog will start to yelp and, due to the blood vessels inside, it will start bleeding. If that happens, don't panic. You can follow four main methods to stop the bleeding: you can use a hemostat, a bar of soap, potassium permanganate, or, in an emergency, you can take your dog to the vet. This tutorial provides instructions for proceeding with each of the 4 methods. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using a Hemostatic Pencil
Step 1. Get the necessary materials
If you want to use the hemostat, you need to get one, as well as some water to moisten it.
- Hemostatic pencils are relatively easy to find on the market and contain an astringent that stimulates the contraction of blood vessels, encouraging the bleeding to stop.
- You can find them in almost any pharmacy.
Step 2. Stay calm
Hopefully, you have already foreseen this scenario, so if you happen to cut the live dermis of the nail, you have probably already procured the necessary material beforehand.
- Loss of blood from this vein is not dangerous for a healthy dog. However, the bleeding toenail can create a certain alarm, especially if the dog walks with difficulty and leaves traces of blood on the floor. However, know that he is not in danger, even if you need to act quickly to minimize his discomfort.
- Remember that it is important to remain calm, for you but also for the animal. This area of the nail is soft and full of nerves, so if it has been cut, it causes pain to the dog who will look for signals from you to understand how to react. If you panic or panic, your pet will likely do the same.
Step 3. Stop the bleeding
The pink area is located in the center of the nail and blood will flow out of this area.
- Take the hemostat pencil and remove it from the package.
- Moisten the tip with water.
Step 4. Apply the hemostat to the affected area
Grab the bleeding nail and gently pin the dog to keep it from moving as you try to stop the bleeding.
- Place the hemostat directly on the nail where the blood comes out and press firmly.
- Hold it firmly in place for at least 2 minutes, then take it off.
Step 5. Repeat the operation
If the bleeding does not stop, repeat the process just described, but this time apply the hemostat for 5 minutes.
After this time the bleeding should stop. If not, contact your vet and ask if you need to bring your dog for further treatment
Method 2 of 4: Use a bar of soap
Step 1. Get the material
For this method, the only thing you need is a bar of soap.
A normal soap, when pressed on the nail, forms a kind of cork that covers the vein, a bit like putting a cork on a bottle. Generally this "tampon" can be removed several hours later and no further treatment is required
Step 2. Stay calm
Ideally you should already be prepared for this situation and can safely use the materials you have on hand to stop the bleeding.
- A healthy dog is not at risk of bleeding from a nail bleed, but the blood may alarm you a little, especially if you see the animal appearing in distress. Remember that he is not life threatening, but still act quickly to minimize his discomfort.
- Staying calm is important to both you and your pet. If the live part of the nail is cut, the dog will surely feel pain and will look for signals from you to understand how to react. If you are alarmed or agitated, he will likely get agitated too.
Step 3. Place the dry bar of soap perpendicular to the injured nail
Gently lock the dog to keep him still during the procedure.
Press firmly so that the nail penetrates the soap to a depth of about 3-4 millimeters
Step 4. Keep his paw in this position for another 3-4 minutes
This places slight pressure on the blood vessels and prevents them from continuing to bleed.
- Remove the soap from the nail after 3-4 minutes with a gentle twisting motion.
- If the dog is not standing still, push the nail firmly into the bar of soap, then remove it with a slight twist of the wrist.
Step 5. Repeat
If the plug does not form, repeat the process just described by pressing your nail into the soap until you get positive results.
- You understand that the plug has formed correctly when the bar of soap manages to block the tip of the nail and you no longer see the blood leaking.
- If the bleeding doesn't stop, you need to contact your vet.
Method 3 of 4: Using Potassium Permanganate
Step 1. Have the necessary tools on hand
With this method you need potassium permanganate crystals, cotton balls and a little water to moisten them.
- This substance consists of a bright purple colored crystal powder and is the preferred method of veterinarians to stop nail bleeding.
- It is highly effective and is a natural disinfectant.
- Potassium permanganate crystals are readily available on websites or in pharmacies.
Step 2. Stay calm
Theoretically you should already be prepared for this situation, so you can safely use the material you have prepared to stop the bleeding.
- Blood loss due to nail bleeding is not dangerous for a healthy dog. However, it can seem rather alarming, especially if the dog keeps fidgeting and soiling the floor with blood. Keep in mind that he is not life threatening, but act quickly to minimize his discomfort.
- Remember that staying calm is important for you, but also for the pet. The bright pink dermis of the nail is soft to the touch and full of nerves, so if it has been cut, it is certainly painful for the animal, which will look for signals from you to know how to react. If you panic or fidget, he will likely fidget too.
Step 3. Moisten the tip of a cotton ball with water
It is important that the cotton is slightly damp so that the potassium permanganate crystals adhere well.
It is not necessary to completely impregnate the cotton, it is enough to moisten it with a few drops of water
Step 4. Dip the wet swab in potassium permanganate
The crystals should stick to the wad. Dip the tip of the swab in the permanganate once.
Step 5. Press the cotton on the nail where it bleeds and apply some pressure for 30 seconds
Gently hold your dog as you go.
The bleeding should stop quickly enough
Step 6. Repeat
If the bleeding does not stop repeat the procedure, but this time hold the pressure for 5 minutes.
If the bleeding has not stopped after 5 minutes, see your vet
Method 4 of 4: Contact the veterinarian
Step 1. Contact your vet if bleeding persists
In the unlikely situation that none of the methods described so far can stop the bleeding, call your vet for advice.
If your doctor suggests that you take your dog to the clinic, take your time to prepare him for transport
Step 2. Bandage his paw
Do your best to bandage his paw before taking him to the vet.
- Use a bandage, which you can take from the first aid kit, to create a temporary dressing on the paw and prevent the dog from bumping into the sore nail - as well as to keep the car a little cleaner.
- Alternatively, you can put a cotton ball or gauze on the nail and wrap a bandage around the paw to keep it in place. Try to create enough tension on the bandage that wraps around the paw so it doesn't loosen and fall off, but don't tighten it too tightly to block blood circulation. If it is too tight, the dog will have difficulty and will try to remove it by chewing it; if you notice this behavior, loosen the bandage.
- If you can't get the material from a first aid kit, wrap clean toilet paper or a cotton ball around the nail and put a snug sock over the paw to hold the temporary dressing in place. If you can find a helper, ask him to hold the cotton ball on his nail while you go to the vet.
Step 3. Find a veterinarian or professional groomer who cuts your four-legged friend's nails
If you find that you find it difficult to cut your dog's nails on your own, perhaps because you are afraid of harming him or because the animal has learned to fear the procedure, the best thing to do is to hire a professional to do it for you. you.
- If you find that your pet is reluctant to go to the groomer or vet, you may want to consider asking these professionals to show you the best strategies for trimming their nails at home.
- If you are able to make the "pedicure" comfortable for him, you can avoid generating in the dog the extra anxiety triggered by the groomer or the veterinarian.
Advice
- If you regularly cut your furry friend's nails, they are unlikely to bleed, since long nails allow the vein in the living area to grow more, with a greater risk of severing it.
- When you cut his nails, go to the kitchen or bathroom. If you have to cut the dermis alive, but can't find a wipe right away, you'll at least be in a room that's easier to clean.
