What to do if you cut your dog's nails too much?

Trimming your dog's nails is an important part of pet care, but sometimes accidents happen. If you cut your dog's nails too much, it can cause bleeding and pain. In this article, we'll explain what to do in such a situation and how you can prevent accidents in the future.

First aid for an overcut nail

1. Calm down and reassure your dog: It is important to stay calm, as your dog will sense your nervousness. Hold your dog gently but firmly.
2. Stop the bleeding: Use something like potato flour to stop the bleeding. Aim to hold for about 5 minutes. Apply the powder to the tip of the nail and apply light pressure until the bleeding stops.
3. Clean the area: Once the bleeding has stopped, clean the area around the nail with an antiseptic such as Betadine to prevent infection.
4. Protect the nail: You may want to put a bandage or paw sock on your dog's paw to protect the trimmed nail until it heals.
5. Reward your dog: Give your dog a treat or toy to calm him down and create a positive experience.

What to do if you cut your dog's nail to the core?

Hitting the nail's core is one of the most common and scary injuries when trimming nails. The core is the part of the nail filled with blood vessels and nerves, and hitting it can cause bleeding and pain. Here are some tips on what to do if you cut into your dog's nail's core:

1. Control bleeding: Use, for example, potato flour to stop bleeding. Keep light pressure until the bleeding stops.
2. Painkillers: If you notice that your dog is in a lot of pain or has a sore paw, you can talk to your veterinarian about possible painkillers.
3. Follow-up: Monitor the nail's healing over the next few days. If you notice any signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or foul-smelling discharge, contact your veterinarian.

Tips for preventing damage

1. Use the right tools: We recommend using a dog nail clipper with a light . The LED light helps you see the core of the nail and reduces the risk of damage.
2. Cut gradually: Cut your nails in small sections and check frequently where the core is. This will help you avoid cutting too deeply.
3. Practice regularly: Regular nail trimming keeps the nails short and makes the procedure more familiar to both you and your dog.
4. Calm your dog: Make nail clipping a pleasant experience for your dog. Use treats and calm speech so your dog learns to associate nail clipping with positive things.

Summary

Trimming your dog's nails can cause damage if you cut too much or hit the nail's core. Stay calm, stop the bleeding, and clean the area. Use the right tools and trim gradually to prevent damage. Remember to reward your dog and make nail trimming a positive experience. For more detailed instructions on trimming nails, read our article: How to Trim Your Dog's Nails.