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Imagine your horror when you first realize something’s wrong. You heard him yelp and pull back his paw, and then you saw the steady oozing of blood. What was a routine nail clipping for your client’s dog is now an emergency. You’ve just accidentally cut his quick.
Trimming nails is considered part of any standard grooming. Done on a regular basis, it is a task that is usually accomplished quickly prior to bathing the animal. However, as a groomer you may occasionally cut too close to the animal’s “quick”, especially if the dog’s nails are black or dark in color, nicking the vein, and causing the animal to bleed. As a professional groomer, you will need to know how to stop the bleeding effectively and antiseptically, so that it will heal properly.
Being prepared beforehand for what to do will save you (and the animal) time and a lot of anxiety.
We count six ways to quickly stop a dog’s nails from bleeding.
- Styptic Powder For Dogs
- Styptic Pencils
- Baking Soda and Corn Starch
- Organic Soap
- Cyanocrylate “Skin Glues”
- Specialty Paw Bandages
NOTE: It is hard to call any one method “the best” or “the most effective”. Over the course of your career you will have to experiment which method or methods works best for you. If you have doubts, concerns, or questions about any of the following methods, do not use them, and instead seek out the advice of a qualified veterinarian.
1. Styptic Powder for Dogs
Styptic powder works quickly to stop the bleeding because it contains an ingredient called ferric sub-sulfate.
The ferric sub-sulfate is a hemostatic agent that contracts the blood vessels, thereby clotting the blood flow within a couple of minutes, and the bleeding stops. Additionally, styptic powder acts as a pain reliever because it contains Benzocaine which is a topical anesthetic.
If you accidentally clip into the quick, pour the powder into the cap and lightly press your dog’s nail into it. Keep the nail in there for a minute. Have the dog stay as still as possible. The bleeding will stop after a minute. Wash the cap thoroughly for next use.
2. Styptic Pencils
Styptic pencils are different from styptic powders in that their active ingredient is silver nitrate. Styptic pencils are effective at stopping the bleeding, however, many veterinarians and groomers avoid using styptic pencils because silver nitrate stings on contact.
To use the styptic pencil, wet the tip of the pencil with water. Then hold the tip of the pencil firmly on the nail and affected quick for a few minutes. Afterwards, you’ll want to rinse the blood off the pencil tip.
A styptic pencil is also a great choice for light cuts on the skin. Styptic pencils contain an ingredient called aluminum sulfate that stops bleeding and quickly seals the skin surface. This prevents dirt or germs from getting beneath the skin.
3. Baking Soda and Cornstarch or Flour
Many groomers prefer natural remedies. Fortunately, for them, there are a few products you can easily find around your house that mimic the effects of the styptic powder including baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and flour.
These natural ingredients are completely safe for your dog. There’s two ways you can do this.
The first way is to make a thick paste by mixing a bit of baking soda or cornstarch with some water. Using an applicator like a cotton swab, dab it into the mixture and apply it gently onto the bleeding nail. Hold it there for a few minutes.
Alternatively, you can create a small pile in your hand. Then you dip your dog’s nail in the powder and cover it with a clean paper towel. Apply pressure for a few minutes and check if the blood starts to clot.
Note: Whichever method you use, a soft tone of voice and a light touch of your hand will help calm the animal making it easier to apply.
4. A Bar of Soap
If you’ve run out of baking soda and cornstarch or flour, a bar of soap also works to stop a dog’s nail from bleeding.
It is best to use a natural fragrance-free antibacterial soap. It acts as a plug and clots the blood. Unscented soap does not contain alcohol and avoids any allergic reaction.
Wet the bar of soap so it softens and is not rock hard. Then, gently glide the bleeding nail across the bar to pick up some soap. If you need to, use your finger to direct the soap where you want it to go. Another way is to break off a small piece of soap. Soften it with water and wrap it around your dog’s nail with a clean bandage.
Note that this technique is best for light bleeding. Please Note: It’s not for serious injuries or heavy bleeding.
5. Cyanoacrylate Adhesives “Skin” Glue
You know it as Super Glue, but it is not the same one you keep in the tool box
The glue that we’re talking about is called “skin glue” or “surgical glue.” This type of super glue uses cyanoacrylate adhesives which is often referred to as instant adhesives.
Using surgical glue is a relatively safe method for dogs as long as it’s not consumed. They are less toxic and more flexible than the ones you find in your toolbox, but you should protect against the animal licking or chewing the wound. You can find versions of skin glue in most pharmacies. Please be safe and follow all instructions on the packaging.
[*Check brands and up-to-date pricing here.]
6. Wrap in Bandages and Wear Protective Dog Boot
If you’ve tried everything and the dog nail is still bleeding, try wrapping the dog nail in bandages. This will help clot the blood and keep the pressure on the nail. Wrapping the wounded nail in bandages also prevents the dog from licking the wound and making it worse.
To wrap the wounded nail, begin by wrapping above the dog’s ankle so the bandage doesn’t fall off or loosen. To prevent the dog from licking at the wound, consider taping the wrap for extra support.
If you don’t have bandages, a clean sock also works as well. Slip the tube sock over the dog paw until it fits snugly. Then tape the tube part of the sock to the ankle so it doesn’t fall off.
Alternatively, you could have your dog wear a protective dog boot. The dog boot ensures that there is no pressure on the paw when your dog walks on it and this also prevents the stimulation of more blood flow.
Article Updated: January 17th, 2023
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