Question.

My dog’s toenails sometimes bleed when I cut them. What can I do to stop the bleeding?

Answer.

First, apply a hemostatic powder (which should be in your first aid kit) to the area. It helps to stop the bleeding. If you don’t have hemostatic powder, use a clean cloth to press directly into the nail for 5 minutes. You can also try using a bar of soap and stuffing it into the bleeding nail, or pressing flour or cornstarch into the nail for 5 minutes.

Most of the time, these steps work. But if you can’t stop the bleeding yourself, take your dog to the vet.

If you can stop the bleeding, another way to help it heal is to wait a day to make sure it clots well, then soak the paw in warm salt water for about five minutes three times a day.

When your dog is bleeding, be sure to watch out for infection. Symptoms include reluctance to bear weight, as well as swelling and pain. If you suspect he is infected, then take your puppy to the vet.

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