If your dog has a broken toenail, there’s no need to panic. It’s a fairly common injury that can happen for various reasons. The most important thing is to determine if your dog needs to see a vet. If the broken nail is causing your dog pain or bleeding excessively, then it’s best to err on the side of caution and make an appointment with your veterinarian. However, if the break is minor and your dog isn’t uncomfortable, you can likely treat it at home. 

What are Broken Nails in Dogs?

While most dog owners have likely seen their pet with a broken nail, they may not know what causes this common injury. Several things can contribute to this, including trauma, infection, and overgrowth.

Trauma is the most common cause of broken nails in dogs, and it can occur from accidentally hitting the nail on a door to getting caught on something while running.

Infections and overgrowth can also weaken the nail, making it more susceptible to breakage. If you notice your dog has a broken nail, it’s essential to take them to the vet so that the cause can be diagnosed and treated appropriately. Untreated broken nails can lead to pain, bleeding, and other serious complications. 

Minor Nail Breaks

If your dog breaks a nail and there’s some mild bleeding, it can be treated at home by applying pressure with a gauze or clean cloth on the injured area until any more redness goes away. You should hold this for 5-10 minutes without peeking before checking again to ensure the bleeding has stopped.

Major Nail Breaks

Nails that are still attached but are cracked, painful, and bleeding should be seen by a veterinarian. The doctor will typically use some form of sedation and pain medication to treat these stubborn injuries. They may also cut off the damaged nail just above where it cracks, allowing them to access deep within the skin easily!

What Causes My Dog's Toenails to Break?

Most dog owners have experienced the frustration of dealing with a broken nail. These seemingly innocuous injuries can be pretty painful for our furry friends and lead to more severe infections if not treated properly. So why do dogs’ nails break?

There are several possible causes. One is trauma, which can occur if your dog hits his nail on something hard or gets it caught in something. Another common cause is overgrowth. When nails get too long, they become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to breaking. Finally, certain health conditions, such as cancer, can make nails more fragile and prone to injury.

However, the most common is when pet owners trim the nail too short. If you’re concerned about your dog’s nails, talk to your veterinarian to find the best way to keep them healthy and strong. 

Why Is It Important to Avoid Broken Nails?

Anyone who has ever had a dog knows that they are not the most gentle creatures. They love to play and run around, so their nails constantly get scratched and chipped. While this may not seem a big deal, broken nails can be quite dangerous for dogs. The blood vessel inside the nail can quickly become exposed when broken.

This not only causes pain for the dog but can also lead to infection. In addition, broken nails can get caught on things, which can tear the nail bed and lead to even more pain. For these reasons, it is important to avoid broken nails in dogs by keeping them trimmed and filed regularly. Taking these simple precautions can help keep your furry friend healthy and happy. 

How to Prevent Broken Toenails

Dogs love to play, but scratching and digging can take a toll on their nails. If not correctly cared for, nails can become dry, brittle, and cracked, leading to pain and infection. The good news is that you can do a few simple things to help keep your dog’s nails healthy and strong.

Keep Your Dog's Nails Short

One of the main ways you can prevent your dog’s nails from breaking is by keeping them trimmed regularly. You’ll want to use a sharp nail trimmer designed specifically for dogs and avoid cutting too close to the quick (the pink area in the center of the nail where blood vessels and nerves are located). In addition, it’s essential to file your dog’s nails after trimming them to help keep the edges smooth.

Ask Your Vet to Show You to Trim Your Dog's Nails

Trimming your pup’s toenails may seem daunting, but your vet can show you the proper way to do it. Avoiding overgrown toenails is vital for your pup’s health and well-being. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to keep your furry friend’s nails looking neat.

Monitor Your Pup's Paws Regularly

It’s essential to check your dog’s nails and paw pads regularly, and this will help keep them healthy and safe. If you’re unsure how to do this, ask your veterinarian or groomer for help.

First Aid for Broken Toenails

If your dog yelps in pain, it could indicate something is wrong. Pay close attention to see if he begins to limp or hold his paw up. If so, he may require medical attention, and you should check with your vet immediately.

Restrain Your Pup

Have someone hold your furry friend while you tend the wounds on his nails because even the nicest pets may bite when in pain. A muzzle might help avoid any bites from happening while you are inspecting the injury.

Gently Stop the Bleeding

Wrap the injured paw with gauze or a towel and apply gentle pressure. If the bleeding does not stop in 5-10 minutes, you can try using a silver nitrate stick, styptic pencil, or cauterizing powder to the nail. The first aid section of a drug store or pet store sells these items that are a great addition to your emergency kit. Cover the injured nail with flour or baking powder if you don’t have any of these on hand.

Remove the Damaged Piece of Toenail

If you notice a tiny sliver of the nail that you can safely remove at home, go ahead and do so. However, keep the paw wrapped with gauze for more difficult injuries and head to the vet.

Keep an Eye Out for Infection

Because the nail bed is attached to the bone, it is essential to keep the infection from spreading. You will need to monitor the injury closely, and your veterinarian will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to examine the nail and possibly change the dressing. Oral or topical antibiotics might be prescribed to aid in the healing process.

How to Stop Bleeding When You Accidentally Cut Too Far Into Your Dog's Nail

Anyone who has ever cut their dog’s nails knows it can be a delicate task. The nails are thick and hard, and it is easy to cut too far and cause the quick to bleed accidentally. If this happens, don’t panic. Follow these steps to help your pup heal.

Pack the End of the Nail With a Coagulant

To stop the bleeding from a nail that has been trimmed too closely or broken off, you can pack it with bar soap and other ingredients like styptic powder or tea bags. Hold this up against the skin’s breakage for at least one minute before releasing pressure to ensure all of its coagulants get into the sore.

Keep Your Dog Still

You may need to enlist help to keep your dog still while you examine the injury. However, even with help, it can be challenging to maintain a pup from moving around too much. So, while examining the wound, take breaks and give your dog a chance to move around a bit.

Check Paws for Any Infection

Be sure to check the wound frequently for signs of infection. If you notice any redness, swelling, or pus, these could be signs that the infection is spreading. Seek medical attention immediately if you think your dog has an infection, as it can cause further complications.

The post How to Care for a Dog’s Broken Toenail appeared first on Cesar's Way.

I recently saw an episode that said dogs need about a 45-minute walk per day. Well, I started walking my miniature dachshund this week, but we have only walked about 20 minutes each day so far. I noticed today after our walk that she was licking her paws a lot, and I was concerned. I just looked at them again, and she now has a couple of blister-looking sores on her pads. What should I do to help her with the pain and make sure her paws heal properly?

Thanks,
Tamara Richardson
Boiling Springs, SC

Dear Tamara,
We see this problem fairly often during the hot summers in Atlanta. Dogs that haven’t been acclimated to hot pavement get blisters on their pads just like a human would walking without shoes. Dogs need to build up calluses just like people do. In the long run, taking it easy and slowly increasing the amount of time your dog walks on the pavement will allow those calluses to form. Once the blisters heal, you can still take the longer walks but on softer surfaces, such as grass, wooded ground, and underbrush, or with “booties” to protect the feet, only allowing cement walking for increasing time to grow the calluses.

For now, keep the blisters clean with water. Do not use peroxide; it will slow the healing. Apply Neosporin twice a day until the sores heal. If you need pain medication, you should call your vet to see if they will send home a non-steroidal pain medication as the sores heal. Only very severe blisters require antibiotics, but you should consult your vet if you are unsure.
-Dr. Weaver

What To Do if You See a Blister On Your Dog's Paw

If you’ve ever taken your dog for a walk and spotted a suspicious-looking blister on its foot, you may have wondered what to do. You can find blisters on any part of your pup’s body, but they’re likely to form near hairless regions, such as the paws. While some are nothing to worry about, others can signify an infection or another problem. In this article, we’ll discuss how blisters occur on dogs’ paws and provide advice on dealing with them

How Do Dogs Get Blisters on Their Paws?

Dogs are susceptible to blisters on their footpads for the same reason humans are—friction. Their paws rub against the ground, creating friction and heat when walking, running, or playing. Over time, this can cause fluid to build up under the skin, resulting in a blister. This is a common issue for dogs because they are barefoot, especially if they walk on rough surfaces such as pavement or gravel. Here are some common reasons a pup will suffer from these awful sores.

Excessive Training

Dogs, just like humans, can develop blisters on their feet if they are running or walking for long periods. If you enjoy hiking with your pup and racking up some miles together, it’s best not to ignore any signs that he may have this condition!

Skin Aggravations

Your dog’s paws are delicate and need special care in the winter. The cold can cause blisters if they walk on salted roads or other chemical irritants, so clean the bottom of their paws as soon as possible after walking outside!

Hot Pavement

Walking your dog on hot pavement can be very dangerous. Not only does it cause blisters and burns to the paw pads, but walking an animal in this condition could also lead them to heatstroke, which is something you don’t want happening! If the ground is too hot for your feet or the back of your hand, then your furry friend should not go for a walk.

Cysts

Blisters and cysts can both look a lot like one another. If you’re not sure which it is, chat with your vet!

Allergic Reactions

How do you know if your pup has allergies? You can tell by the excessive licking of their paws, which leads to blisters developing and sometimes even infection! Consider checking for food or environmental allergies if you see them doing this more than usual.

Injury

The causes of blisters on your dog’s feet can be traumatic or due to an injury. One type, in particular, called a blood blister, will form if their paw pads get pinched by something sharp.

Harsh Grounds

One of the most common causes of blisters on a dog’s paw is walking through rough terrain. This can include hiking trails, rocks, gravel roads, areas with cracks in pavements, and construction sites with asphalt pavement, amongst other things!

How to Treat a Blister On Your Dog's Paw

Usually, you can treat your pup’s blister with an at-home first aid kit. Here are some ways to help alleviate the pain and allow the sore to heal quicker.

Wash

Keeping blisters clean will prevent infection. The first step is to wash with antibacterial soap and warm water, then thoroughly dry so that they don’t get infected.

Protect

To prevent infection and ensure a clean wound, wrap the paw with bandages to keep dirt out. If the blister bursts open, it needs immediate cleaning so bacteria can’t get in.

Avoid

To help your dog heal quickly, avoid rough terrain and hot pavement. If an irritant like chemicals caused the blister, stay away from those areas until it’s healed!

Prevent

It would be best to avoid allowing your dog to lick its paws while healing because it can lead to infection and cause more blisters.

Apply

To soothe an inflamed area, apply a Paw Soother or Nectar product. These contain ingredients designed for pain relief and prevention of infection.

How to Lessen the Risk of a Blister

Blisters on your dog’s paw can be painful and uncomfortable. If you suspect your dog has a blister, it’s essential to take preventative measures and treat it as soon as possible. Here are some tips for treating blisters.

Use Good Hygiene

Dog owners should ensure that their pup’s nails are trim and clean. Also, be sure to wipe them down after walks, especially in wintertime when they may have walked through some dirty snow or rain, which could irritate the skin on the feet! Keeping good hygiene will help reduce the risks of blisters/painful issues with your dog’s paws.

Plan Your Walks

To keep your dog safe and happy, you must be strategic about where he walks. Avoid exposure on hot or cold roads that are heavily salted, so they don’t burn the paws! Try walking in the grass when possible for minimal discomfort. Pay particular attention to the heat the summer sun can cause, and aim to do your long walks earlier in the day or later in the evening.

Check Paws Daily

Paws are a delicate part of their body, but they can also be an irritant if not cared for properly. Look out for signs that the skin is irritated, like redness or bleeding in between toes; a cracked paw pad with debris stuck beneath it (this will cause blisters). If you notice any of these things, take action immediately by removing any debris or irritant before more damage can happen!

Consider Boots

Boots are a great way to keep your dog safe from the elements and uneven terrain. Be sure they fit appropriately, or you might end up causing blisters on their feet!

Protect with Balm

Paw balms that can help protect paws from the elements and friction that can cause blisters is vital, especially when they spend time outside in harsh weather or on rough surfaces like asphalt roads. The balm provides relief by preventing drying out existing wounds and soothing any pain caused after an injury occurs.

When to Go to the Vet

If you have administered treatment at home for your pup’s blisters and notice any following symptoms, please reach out to your pet care provider.

Blisters Aren't Healing

If you notice that your pup’s blisters are not healing or getting worse after a few days, it could mean there is an issue with their condition. While some dogs heal faster than others, this delay may be due to age/health status, etc. If no improvement is visible, call the vet because they’ll know what steps to take next.

Swelling or Redness Around the Blister

The signs of an infection are redness or swelling around the blister, plus pus coming from within it. If you notice that your dog is lethargic and has a fever, there is cause for concern because these could be symptoms related to spikes in bacteria levels!

Blisters On Other Parts of the Body

If you notice your dog is developing additional blisters on other parts of its body, this could be an even more severe condition, and you should see a vet. They’ll determine the cause to create better treatment plans for it.

You Suspect a Cyst

If your dog has a cyst, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation. They may recommend various treatment options, depending on the type of cyst. In some cases, they may be able to drain the cyst and prescribe medication to prevent it from returning.

The post Treating Blisters On Paws appeared first on Cesar's Way.

A dog’s paws serve a number of critical functions during everyday life. Besides providing a foundation for standing, walking, and running, your dog’s feet act as shock absorbers, protect against cold and hot temperatures, and indicate health issues that may be otherwise unnoticeable.

Because paws are essential to your dog’s health, it’s important to recognize when your dog’s feet are injured. One such injury to be aware of is a foot pad injury, a type of wound that affects your dog’s foot pads.

If you’re wondering whether your dog has a foot pad injury, you have come to the right place. Here, we’ll explain the symptoms of foot pad injuries in dogs and treatment options to consider.

Foot Pad Injuries

Foot pad injuries in dogs come in a range of forms, including abrasions, blisters, burns, ulcers, tears, punctures, and lacerations. These paw pad injuries are most commonly caused by the surface your dog walks on. Sharp objects such as glass can puncture your dog’s soft foot pad, while hot surfaces such as concrete can burn through your dog’s feet. Additionally, your dog’s paws can be affected by rock, gravel, sand, as well as chemicals.

Although a dog’s paws are tough, they are not indestructible. Dogs can quickly injure their foot pads if they step on a sharp object or walk on a hot surface. If you notice a paw pad injury in your dog, contact your vet immediately to begin treatment.

What are Foot Pads?

Foot pads, located at the bottom of your dog’s feet, are crucial for a dog’s everyday life. Not only do they provide balance and traction, but they regulate the body temperature through sweating and provide shock absorption during walking, running, and jumping.

A dog’s foot is equipped with three types of paw pads: the digital pad, the carpal pad, and the metatarsal pad. Digital pads are the four small pads located on each toe. Their main purpose is to support your dog’s weight and protect the joints. Carpal pads, located on the forelimb, are similar to digital pads and help support your dog’s weight. Metatarsal pads, located in the center of the foot, are heart-shaped pads that support the dog’s body during activities. This pad is known as the metacarpal pad or palmar pad in the front feet, and the metatarsal or plantar pad in the back feet.

Each type of paw pad on your dog’s foot is made of fat, connective tissue, and thick skin. Paw pads on dogs are soft yet tough, allowing them to act as a cushion for your dog’s feet.

Symptoms of Foot Pad Injuries in Dogs

Because every dog is different, not all foot pad injuries are easy to diagnose. Though the common clinical signs of foot pad injuries are limping, licking at the foot, and bleeding, some paw pad injury symptoms are a bit harder to identify. Listed below are the most common symptoms of paw pad injuries to look for in dogs.

• Whining.
• Excessive licking at the foot.
• Limping.
• Lethargy.
• Bleeding at the foot.
• Lack of interest in daily activities.
• Excessive panting.

If your dog shows signs of any one of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. The sooner an injured foot pad is treated, the sooner your dog can begin to recover.

Home Care Suggestions

While visiting a vet is recommended for most foot pad injuries, you may treat mild foot abrasions at home. To treat a foot pad injury, first rinse the affected foot under cool water to remove debris. Next, apply an antibacterial ointment or solution, like Neosporin, on the wound. Finally, place a non-stick telfa pad over the foot pad(s) and lightly wrap with vet wrap or an ace bandage. The bandage should be kept clean and changed daily until the pads have healed.

After treating a paw pad injury at home, owners should keep a close eye on their dog’s paw pad. If the toes become swollen or have a strange odor, contact your vet immediately. Because infection can cause significant damage to the foot as well as your dog’s overall health, it’s important to consult your vet if you notice any issues occurring in your dog’s paw pads.

How to Avoid Foot Pad Injuries in Dogs

Because prevention is the best possible cure for foot pad injuries, there are a number of precautions to take when walking your dog. Although some foot pad injuries cannot be prevented, most paw issues can be eliminated by avoiding rough or hot surfaces and providing your dog with protective footwear.

Avoid Rough or Hot Surfaces

One way to prevent paw injuries in dogs is to avoid walking your dog on rough or hot surfaces. Because a dog’s paws are sensitive, they can easily be damaged by jagged or blistering surfaces. Before taking your dog for a walk, ensure the surface is not too hot and doesn’t contain any sharp objects such as glass. Avoid walking on concrete during scorching temperatures and be extra careful when walking your dog on gravel or sand.

In addition to avoiding hot sidewalks during the summer, you’ll want to avoid walking your dog on cold surfaces during the winter. A dog’s paws are just as sensitive to cold temperatures as they are to hot conditions.

Protective Footwear

Another preventative of paw injuries is protecting your dog’s feet with footwear. Dog boots are ideal for protecting dog paw pads during the winter, while wax and balm can be used to protect a dog’s feet during the summer.

Protective footwear should be worn anytime your dog is walking on sharp objects, hot or cold surfaces, or in locations where salt has been spread to melt the winter ice. In addition to protecting your dog’s paw pads, dog footwear will provide additional support and cushioning for your pup.

When Foot Pad Injuries Require the Vet

Because foot pads do not heal like regular skin, anything more serious than a superficial abrasion should be treated by your veterinarian. Even after treating an abrasion at home, you may still want to visit a vet to ensure there is no infection.

We hope this article answered all your questions on foot pad injuries in dogs. Remember, by keeping your dog’s feet healthy, you can improve your pup’s overall health and quality of life.

The post How To Recognize And Treat Foot Pad Injuries In Dogs appeared first on Cesar's Way.