If you’re reading this article, you’ve likely cut your dog’s nail a little too short and it’s started bleeding. However don’t panic, this situation occurs more often than you may think, and isn’t a major reason for concern.
So, to help your pet and calm your nerves, we’ll answer the following questions related to how to stop a dog’s nail from bleeding:
- How long does it take for a dog’s nail to stop bleeding?
- How do you stop a dog’s nail from bleeding DIY?
- What do I do if I accidentally cut my dog’s nail too short?
- Does a bleeding nail hurt a dog?
Disclaimer: Please refer to the information in this article as a guide only. If you want more information about how to keep your dog’s nails healthy, contact your veterinarian.
Before we start, we’d like to mention that if you are thinking about cutting your dog’s nails, it’s best to ask your vet to show you how to do it correctly, to reduce the chances of cutting them too short by accident.
How long does it take for a dog’s nail to stop bleeding?
If your dog doesn’t have any disorders related to blood clotting, their nails should stop bleeding after around 10 minutes. If it doesn’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes and after trying the tip we mention below, or your dog has a previously diagnosed clotting disorder, then it’s best to take them to your veterinarian.
You can read more about how to cut your dog’s nails correctly and reduce the chances of them bleeding in our articles How to Trim Dog Nails? and Wagging Tails and Clean Nails – A Nail Trimming Guide for Dogs.
How do you stop a dog’s nail from bleeding DIY?
Styptic powder is a great thing to have at home and can be used in circumstances where you cut your dog’s nails too short. Just either dip your pet’s paw into it or apply it, and wait for the bleeding to stop.
If you don’t have any styptic powder, you can apply a gauze of dressing soaked in cold and salty water.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, or you’re worried about your pet, then it’s best to contact your veterinarian. It’s also good to remember, that even after the bleeding stops, this area will still be sensitive and is likely to start bleeding again if it’s knocked. So it’s probably best to encourage your pet to take it easy for a while.
What do I do if I accidentally cut my dog’s nail too short?
First off, don’t panic! Try to keep calm as you reassure your four-legged friend, and try to stop the bleeding.
Don’t be surprised if your dog makes a sound when you cut the nail, it can be quite painful for them, so don’t forget to give them a cuddle, and a treat. Meanwhile, it’s a good idea to get some gauze to hold onto the nail, to try to stop the bleeding and prevent the blood from going everywhere. As we mentioned earlier, you can also apply some styptic powder if you have some.
It’s also good to know that your dog may become worried about having their nails trimmed if it’s frequently done too short. If possible, it’s also a good idea to ask your vet to show you how to cut your pet’s nails, to reduce the chances of you accidentally cutting them too short again.
Alternatively, if you decide you aren’t able to cut your pet’s nails anymore, you can always ask your vet or a reputable animal groomer to do it for you.
Does a bleeding nail hurt a dog?
When we humans cut our nails too short, they often feel quite sore. Our dogs are no different, and might even let you know you’ve hurt them with a little yelp, or by licking their paw.
As we mentioned earlier, if you accidentally cut your dog’s nail too short, be sure to reassure your pup and try to keep calm. They’ll likely become more worried about it if you make a big fuss, so give them some treats and cuddle.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article about how you can stop a dog’s nail from bleeding. If your dog’s nail does start bleeding, don’t forget to give them reassurance and plenty of cuddles whilst you sort it out.
Charlotte qualified as a veterinarian in 2023 and has been working as a writer for several years helping pet parents understand how to help their pets live happy healthy lives whilst pursuing her interests in wildlife conservation.
She enjoys traveling and has undertaken positions in Belgium, Spain, Austria, Germany, and the Galapagos and has a 15-year-old rescue dog called Chiki.
