Using Styptic Powder to Stop Dog Nail Bleeding
Sometimes, pet owners trim their dog’s nails a little too short, causing their dog’s nail to bleed. If your dog’s nail starts bleeding during a trim, don’t panic and grab the styptic powder to stop dog nail bleeding quickly. Here’s the easiest way to apply styptic powder to your dog’s nail.
Why Dog Nails Bleed When Trimmed Too Short
Dogs have a quick running along the center of each nail. The quick is basically the nail’s blood supply. When dogs’ nails grow longer, their blood supply grows too. When trimming dog nails, it’s very easy to nick or cut into the quick, which causes bleeding. Nicking a dog’s nail quick is very painful for your dog. If this happens often, your dog will eventually learn to dislike nail trims. When trimming dog nails, less is more.
What is Styptic Powder for Dogs?
Before trimming a dog’s nails, pet owners must always have styptic powder on hand. Styptic powder has anti-coagulant properties, which stops dog nail bleeding quickly. Since styptic powder can sting a bit during the application process, some styptic powder dog blends contain topical anesthetic to ease the sting. Most styptic powders also contain antiseptic properties to prevent infection.
For dogs, styptic powder is only used when a nail is trimmed too short. It should never be used on wounds, cuts or gashes. Additionally, it’s inhumane to purposefully trim a dog’s nail too short; it’s that painful.
How to Apply Styptic Powder
If you accidentally trim your dog’s nail too short, reach for the styptic powder immediately. Wet your fingertip with water, and then dip your wet fingertip into the styptic powder. Ensure your fingertip is thoroughly coated, and then place your styptic powder coated fingertip against the bleeding nail tip. Apply a bit of pressure by holding your finger in place for at least 10 seconds. If your dog moves around, provide a plate smeared with peanut butter or a food stuffed toy for your dog to enjoy while you apply pressure.
Sometimes, “quicked” nails are challenging and will continue to bleed. Continue to apply styptic powder until there’s no blood left on your fingertip. Then, give your dog something quiet to do, such as lick a food stuffed toy in her crate. After 10-20 minutes, bring your dog outdoors to ensure her nail has stopped bleeding. It’s best to keep your dog off white furniture and carpeting for a few hours.
By now, your dog is totally comfortable with you reaching and holding her paw for five seconds. Now, let’s add nail clippers in the mix. We’re still not cutting nails, just touching nail clippers to paw and nail, pretending to trim nails.
Let’s teach your dog that paw restraint is fun and pays with yummy treats! Plus, restraining your dog’s paw is an important part of nail trimming.