What to Do When Your Dog’s Nail Quick Is Exposed

A pup getting routine care to treat a dog nail quick that is exposed and prevent future exposed nail quicks

A dog nail quick that is exposed is painful and possibly harmful. There are many possible causes, and most can be easily prevented or treated. Here’s what to know.

Key takeaways:

  • Proper and careful nail trimming techniques can prevent many nail accidents.

  • Your dog’s nail quick can be exposed due to a trimming issue or lack of nutrition.

  • Nail quicks may also become overgrown, making nail trims stressful.

  • If a dog nail quick is exposed, clean and wrap it to prevent infection.

  • If the bleeding does not stop, visit your vet immediately.

Have you ever noticed a dog nail quick that is exposed? The quick is the thin vein that runs from the base of your dog’s nail toward the end of it. This vein provides blood to the nail and includes a nerve. Exposing the quick outside the protection of the nail can be very harmful to your pup.

There are a variety of possible causes for an exposed quick. Once you know what to look for, you can take steps to prevent it from happening. This article will detail these causes, how to prevent them, and simple steps to treat your dog’s exposed nail quick.

Most common causes of a nail quick that is exposed

A dog’s nail can crack or break for a variety of reasons. When the quick is exposed, it usually indicates another problem. Some possible causes are:

  • Lack of nutrition: If a dog’s nail breaks easily, it may indicate a lack of proper nutrients – just like with humans. Talk to your vet about changing your pup’s diet to ensure proper nutrition. Also, look at your dog’s fur. A listless or dull coat is another sign of a nutritional deficiency.

  • Accident during nail trims: Clipping nails too close to the quick can easily lead to exposing it, especially if your dog has very tiny nails! If your pup has cloudy or black nails, seeing the quick itself might be hard. See our guide on cutting black nails.

  • Overgrown quick: If a dog’s nails are not cut often enough, the quick can sometimes advance almost to the tip of the nail. This makes safely cutting them challenging. There are steps you can take to remedy this, however. See our guide on cutting an overgrown quick so it recedes.

Fortunately, the causes of a nail quick that is exposed are relatively easy to prevent. It simply takes a bit of planning and maintenance.

How to prevent an exposed nail quick

Preventing a nail quick that is exposed means looking at the possible causes and eliminating them. It sounds easy because it is! Here’s what you can do to prevent them from happening:

  • Feed your dog a proper diet - Make sure your dog gets the right nutrition. Read the ingredient labels on dog foods. If you don’t understand what an ingredient is, Google it or talk to an expert.

  • Practice proper nail cutting techniques - Keep your dog calm while cutting nails. The more they struggle, the better your chance of an accident happening. Allow your dog to sniff the clippers. Bring plenty of treats to the cutting session. Use lots of positive reinforcement to make the experience a positive one for your pup.

  • Cut your dog’s nails regularly - The frequency of nail cutting will vary depending on your pup’s lifestyle, breed, and age. A general rule is to cut their nails once a month. Most experts agree that if you hear your dog’s nails clicking on hardwood or linoleum floors, it’s probably time for a trim.

Cutting your dog’s nails on a schedule will help prevent the quicks from overgrowing. It keeps your dog’s nails from getting caught on fabric or other objects and tearing, and helps your dog get used to the experience and feel more comfortable.

How to treat a bleeding nail quick

If you’re dealing with a dog nail quick that is exposed, it’s likely bleeding. Try to get your dog to sit and lay down so you can examine it. Use a clean cloth to apply gentle pressure to stop the bleeding. This is a good time to bring out the heavy artillery – your dog’s favorite treats – to keep them still.

If the bleeding doesn’t stop after five minutes, apply styptic powder to the exposed quick. Keep your dog as calm as possible. The less excited your pup is, the slower the blood flow.

What to do after the nail quick has stopped bleeding

Examine the nail closely. If the quick’s exposure is minor, apply a dog-approved antibiotic to the nail to prevent infection. Gently wrap your dog’s paw with a gauze bandage. If your pup chews or tugs at the bandage, cover it with a pet sock. Try to keep your dog calm for the next couple of days.

Keep an eye on the bandage to make sure it doesn’t get wet, dirty, or chewed off. If it does, you’ll have to clean the nail again, reapply antibiotic, and wrap it in another bandage.

What if the nail quick won’t stop bleeding?

If the nail won’t stop bleeding, it may be a problem too big to handle on your own. Bandage your dog’s foot and schedule an emergency vet visit. Follow the same steps as above as a temporary solution.

If you’ve ever ripped a hangnail off or suffered from an ingrown toenail, you have an idea of the kind of pain your dog might be in. Your vet may prescribe pain medication for your pet to take when the two of you return home.

Prevention with routine care

Maintaining your dog’s nails is an important part of their basic hygiene and grooming care. Taking preventive steps such as regularly trimming your dog’s nails will help reduce the chances of a nail quick that is exposed (and other emergencies).

If you are not comfortable cutting your dog’s nails, Scenthound can help. Visit our store locator to find the center closest to you. We have monthly plans available for all of your routine dog care needs.

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