Broken dew claw dog how to#

This can result in inflammation, sores, bleeding and infection. Ingrown dew claws – Overgrown dew claws can start to curl around and dig into their sensitive paw pads.

Broken dew claw dog how to#

For details on how to trim your pet nails, click here. Overgrown dew claws can easily catch on things and become torn or broken.Ī regular practice of nail trimming can solve this problem. This is very common with less active pets that don’t run, dig or play regularly.

This makes them more likely to become overgrown. Overgrown dew claws – as dew claws are higher on the foot, they don’t wear down naturally from ground contact. However, there are situations when injuries or nails problems can occur:

If the base of the nail is red, there is swelling around the nail, discharge, or your dog is lame.īook a video appointment to have a chat with one of our vets.Common dew claw injuries and nail problemsĭew claws often cause no problem for dogs, cats and rabbits.

If it is too painful to touch, they can discuss sedation and removal of the damaged nail, if required. At the vet clinic they will be able to clip your dog’s nail.

If your dog’s nail is broken but still attached or is at an awkward angle.

After walks, ensure that the affected paw is cleaned and dried. You can use a dog boot, such as a Mikki boot or a Therapaws boot, to protect the area whilst walking. In this way the nail will heal faster and your dog will be back to normal much more quickly. If necessary, limit walks to short lead-walks, for toileting only, until the nail has fully healed. However, do not apply it directly to a wound.Īvoid woodland walks or muddy areas until the damaged nail has dried up. Grannicks Bitter Apple spray (available online and from pet shops or your vet) can be applied to the sock to stop your dog from chewing it. Any of these prevention methods should be used for at least 3-5 days, to allow the damaged tissue to seal and the signs to fully resolve. The sock will need to be changed and washed daily. Or, try a children's sock check that the sock isn’t too tight and stays dry at all times. To prevent them licking the paw, we recommend using a plastic Buster collar, or an inflatable Buster collar, to stop them reaching the nail. Ensure that the paw is dried thoroughly afterwards. Bathe the paw twice a day with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 500ml/1 pint cooled boiled water), or a dilute Chlorhexidine solution (1 part Hibiscrub to 20 parts water). Dogs and cats have bacteria in their mouth, which can cause an infection if they lick a broken nail. The most important thing to do straight away is to stop your dog from licking its foot or nail. Dogs need to be rewarded and praised so that they associate this as a good experience. Finally, once they accept that, you can clip a very small tip of one of their nails. You will need to spend several weeks just touching your dogs nails before moving onto squeezing their toes. This will involve careful training and desensitisation, as described in point 1.

If your dog will not allow you to clip their nails, start right back at the beginning.

Ask your vet or vet nurse for help with clipping your dog’s nails if needed.

Exercising dogs on a hard surface, like a pavement or patio can also help to keep their nails short.

This will help to keep the sensitive kwik short and reduces the risk of accidentally cutting it when trimming. If not trimmed, they can grow into the pads, which becomes painful and risks infection. The dew claw does not come into contact with the ground and therefore can start to curl round. Do this regularly so that it doesn’t become a problem or something to be scared of. Let your dog investigate the nail clippers, and, once relaxed, clip a tiny tip off one nail whilst providing positive reinforcement. Start by rubbing their feet and putting a small amount of pressure on their toes.

Get your dog used to having their feet touched at an early age.

Licking: your dog may lick the affected claw repeatedly.

Bleeding: the broken nail may bleed if the nail bed is damaged.

Your dog may also be reluctant to weight-bear on the affected leg.

Limping: this may be mild, moderate or severe depending on where and how the nail has broken.

When a dog stands or walks on a long nailed paw it puts pressure on the wrong parts of the foot, causing pain and discomfort and can ultimately contribute to joint issues especially in older dogs.Ĭlinical signs a broken or fractured nail Long nails are more likely to chip, tear, split or break, which can be painful to your dog and may require veterinary treatment.