Nail Injuries
Nail injuries in dogs and cats occur when a nail is torn, split, broken, or completely ripped off.
What Are Nail Injuries?
These injuries can be painful and may lead to bleeding, infection, or difficulty walking. Nails can become damaged due to trauma, excessive scratching, overgrown nails, or underlying health issues that weaken the nail structure.
At My Corner Vet Nedlands, we offer expert care to treat nail injuries, ensuring your pets comfort and health.
Signs Your Pet May Have a Nail Injury
🐾 Licking or chewing at the paw
🐾 Bleeding from the nail or nail bed
🐾 Limping or reluctance to walk
🐾 Swollen or red toe or paw
🐾 Cracked, split, or completely missing nail
🐾 Pain when touching the affected paw
🐾 Pus or discharge (a sign of infection)
If your pet shows any of these signs, a vet check-up is recommended to allow for treatment and prevent further complications.
What Causes Nail Injuries?
Nail injuries can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
🐾 Trauma – Jumping, running, or getting the nail caught in flooring, carpet, fences, or other surfaces.
🐾 Overgrown nails – Longer nails are more likely to break or snag on objects.
🐾 Weak nails – Nutritional deficiencies, infections, or underlying medical conditions like autoimmune diseases can lead to brittle nails.
🐾 Excessive scratching – Cats that scratch aggressively on rough surfaces or dogs that dig frequently may damage their nails.
🐾 Clipping mishaps – Cutting nails too short or at the wrong angle can cause pain and bleeding.
When to See a Vet
You should see a vet if:
🐾 The nail is completely ripped off or bleeding heavily.
🐾 Your pet is in pain or unable to walk properly.
🐾 There is swelling, pus, or redness, indicating infection.
🐾 The nail is split down to the quick (the sensitive part with blood vessels).
🐾 Your pet is persistently licking or chewing at the nail.
At My Corner Vet Nedlands, we offer gentle, professional treatment to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
Professional Nail Injury Treatment at My Corner Vet
At My Corner Vet, we offer:
Examination
Careful examination to assess the severity of the injury.
Clipping & Removal
Clipping and removal of broken nails to prevent further damage.
Medication
Pain relief medication to ease discomfort.
Cleaning
Wound cleaning and bandaging if needed.
Surgery
Surgical removal in severe cases where the nail is too damaged to heal.
How to Prevent Nail Injuries in Pets
🐾 Regular nail trimming – Keep nails at a proper length to prevent snagging.
🐾 Use proper surfaces for scratching – Provide cats with scratching posts to prevent excessive damage.
🐾 Check paws frequently – Look for cracks, breaks, or overgrown nails before they become a problem.
🐾 Walking dogs on hard surfaces – regular walks on hard surfaces like footpaths can help to naturally file down dog's nails down.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Nail beds tend to bleed a lot and most likely will require veterinary attention.
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Minor cracks may heal, but deep splits or torn nails often require treatment to prevent infection and pain.
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Yes, but it can take several months. In some cases, it may grow back abnormally or not at all.
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Dogs’ nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks, while indoor cats may need trimming every few weeks if they don’t naturally wear them down.
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Yes, exposed nail beds are susceptible to bacteria, leading to swelling, pus, and pain. It’s important to keep the area clean and seek veterinary care if signs of infection appear.
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Book an Appointment at My Corner Vet
🐾 Expert care for pet nail injury issues in Perth
🐾 Same-day appointments available
🐾 A caring, professional team
📍 Clinic Location: 134 Broadway, Nedlands, WA
📞 Call Us: (08) 6285 8535
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Schedule a check-up today for expert treatment and support. 🐶✨
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