Treating your pup to a walk around the neighborhood can quickly turn worrisome if you observe that their nails are bloody. The culprit is likely the hard and coarse concrete under their paws, which can cause their claws to break and start bleeding. While it’s not necessarily dangerous for your furry friend, it can lead to painful feelings, so you should take steps to address the issue pronto.
To assist your pup in maintaining resilient nails, and deter future damages, there are a few actions you can take. You can begin by opting for terrain where possible, such as grass or dirt, instead of concrete on walks. Additionally, you can look into purchasing canine-friendly booties that will shield their nails.
After your pup’s trimmed nails have caused them to bleed, you’ll need to give the area a good cleanse. Placing gentle pressure on the wound can help bring it to a halt. A cotton ball or gauze serve nicely here. If you’d prefer something ready-made for this purpose, your local pet store should have “styptic powder” on offer. Following the halt in bleeding, an antibiotic ointment should be applied to the area to stave off any possible infection.
Taking proper steps to maintain your canine companion’s nails will minimize any discomfort that might come from long walks on concrete. Still, if the bleeding continues or appears to worsen, a veterinarian visit is the best way to ensure that there are no additional underlying issues.