Should My Dog See a Vet if Their Nail is Bleeding? 

Hey there, fellow pet parent! If you’ve landed on this page, chances are your fur baby’s had a little mishap with their nails. It can be scary to see your dog’s nail bleeding, especially if it’s the first time this has happened. Before you start panicking, let’s talk about why this happens and why it’s crucial to consult a veterinary expert, like us here at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland, FL.

What Causes Bleeding in Dog Nails?

Nails can bleed for a variety of reasons. Maybe you were giving them a nail trim at home, or they snagged their claw on something during a walk. The blood comes from the “quick,” the soft inner part of the nail that supplies blood to the nail bed. Hitting this can lead to bleeding that’s not only messy but also quite painful for your dog.

Why Immediate Veterinary Attention is Necessary

Your first instinct might be to grab a paper towel and wrap it around the bleeding nail. For proper diagnosis and treatment, call Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic at (863) 665-3199. Our trained professionals will assess the situation and decide on the best course of action to keep your pup pain-free and safe.

Risk of Infection

An untreated bleeding nail can lead to an infection. Your dog’s paws are in constant contact with the ground, picking up dirt and bacteria along the way. These can enter the open wound, increasing the risk of complications.

Severity of the Bleeding

Not all nail bleeds are equal. Some may be minor, but others can be quite serious, requiring immediate medical intervention. The faster you get professional advice, the better it is for your dog’s overall well-being.

What to Expect During Your Visit

So you’ve made the wise decision to bring your furry friend to our clinic. What should you expect? First, our team will assess the situation, checking the severity of the bleeding and looking for signs of infection. After a thorough examination, we’ll recommend the best course of action, whether that be medication, a bandage, or other necessary treatments.

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on the situation, your vet might conduct diagnostic tests like X-rays or blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions that could be causing excessive bleeding or other complications.

Treatment Options

Your vet will explain the different treatment options available for your dog’s condition. This could range from a simple bandage to more advanced procedures if the situation is severe.

How to Prevent Future Incidents

Alright, so your pup’s been treated, and you’re back home. Now what? You’ll want to prevent this from happening again, right? The best prevention is regular vet check-ups to keep those nails trimmed and healthy. Frequent visits will also help your vet keep an eye on any developing issues, so they can be addressed before becoming severe.

Importance of Regular Vet Visits

Regular vet visits aren’t just for vaccinations and general check-ups. They’re an opportunity for your vet to examine your dog’s paws and nails to ensure everything looks as it should.

Pet-Proofing Your Home

Eliminating hazards at home like sharp objects or places where nails can get caught can go a long way in preventing future nail injuries.

Contact Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic

Hey, we get it, accidents happen! But when it comes to your dog’s health, you can never be too cautious. If your dog’s nail is bleeding, your safest bet is to consult a vet immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Give us a call at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland, FL, at (863) 665-3199, and let’s make sure your furry friend gets the care they deserve. We’re here to help!