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.

• Trimming your dog's nails regularly: Trimming your dog's nails regularly can prevent the quick from overgrowing and reduce the risk of nail injuries. Regular nail trimming helps to keep the nails short, reduces the likelihood of split or broken nails, and provides an opportunity to inspect the nails for any issues.

Nail injuries can also occur due to a broken or split nail, which can be painful and require veterinary attention. Additionally, a torn nail can result from brittle nails caused by parasites such as fleas and Demodex mites. Fortunately, the causes of a nail quick that is exposed are relatively easy to prevent. It simply takes a bit of planning and maintenance. Regularly examining your dog’s foot for any signs of injury is crucial to maintaining their nail health.

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. Regularly trimming your dog’s nails helps keep them short and healthy, preventing nail injuries and split nails.

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. If you’re unsure how to trim your dog’s nails at home, consult your vet or a professional groomer for guidance. Evaluate the dog’s paw for any additional injuries, such as nail disorders, and apply first aid as needed.

How to treat dog nail injuries

If you’re dealing with a dog nail quick that is exposed due to a broken nail, it’s likely bleeding. Try to get your dog to sit and lay down so you can examine the dog’s paw. The nail bed, where the dog’s nails are attached to the toe, is delicate and contains blood vessels and nerves. 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. In some cases, your vet may prescribe pain medication to help manage your dog's discomfort.

Broken Dog Nails

When you bring your dog to the vet for a broken nail, the doctor will assess the injury to determine the best course of action. This might include trimming the damaged nail, cleaning the area, and providing pain relief or antibiotics if needed. Bandage your dog’s foot and schedule an emergency vet visit.

Veterinary treatment may be necessary for split dog nails, which can result from accidental trauma or other causes.

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 antibiotics, and wrap the dog's paw in another bandage.

How to Treat and Prevent Your Dog's Bleeding Nail Quick

If the nail won’t stop bleeding, it may be a problem too big to handle on your own. Broken nails can be serious, causing pain and bleeding that may require veterinary treatment. Bandage your dog’s foot and schedule an emergency vet visit. Follow the same steps as above as a temporary solution.

You may imagine the kind of pain your dog may be experiencing if you've ever torn off a hangnail or had an ingrown toenail. Your pet's veterinarian could recommend painkillers for them to take once you and your pet get home.

Signs of Bacterial Infections: When to Seek Veterinary Care

If you notice that your dog's claws seem brittle or if the claws are lifting off and separating from the nailbed on a regular basis, have your dog assessed by a veterinarian. Certain fungal and bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, and endocrine diseases can cause abnormal growth of the claws or brittle nails.

Prevention with routine care: trim your dog's nails

Regular nail maintenance is essential to your dog's fundamental grooming and cleanliness, especially in order to avoid broken nails and other nail health problems. Preventive measures like routine nail cutting for your dog can lessen the likelihood of an exposed nail (among 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.