Last week, I spotted that Matilda’s left paw had a nail on the “pinky” side twisted at a sharp outward angle. Surprisingly, I hadn’t observed any pain indicators like her limping or excessively licking the spot. She was slightly protective of it, not letting me touch it much.
Determining whether to make a vet visit for such minor mishaps can be perplexing. Presently, with the vet appointments becoming scarce, making this decision is even tougher for pet owners, even in pressing health situations.
My personal gauge is straightforward: if I’d see a doctor for the same issue, I’d consider taking my pet to the vet.
I’ve had experiences where I chipped a nail to a painfully short extent. Even though it’s uncomfortable, it doesn’t necessarily warrant a doctor’s visit. My approach has been to trim any loose bits, ensuring they don’t snag on anything and let it regrow naturally.
For Matilda, our usual Dremel tool wasn’t suitable for her fragile twisted nail. Instead, I opted for clippers. Curious, I shone a flashlight through it, attempting to determine if the “quick” – the pink blood vessel in a dog’s nail – was running through the damaged section. Cutting beyond the quick can lead to bleeding.
In the end, I managed to clip off most of it, keeping an eye out for signs of inflammation, pus, or any symptom pointing to pain or infection. A couple of days later, the twisted portion naturally came off.
The residual nail is now shorter, but it seems to be recovering well.
How to Avoid Bent Nails in Dogs I suspect the incident occurred due to my delay in giving Matilda her regular nail trim. Longer nails can easily get snagged. It seems like the nail twisted when she tried to leap onto the sofa, misbalanced, and the nail probably bent as she scrambled to grip.
Typically, I trim my dogs’ nails monthly or when I notice them getting elongated. However, this isn’t the most ideal frequency. Regular trims ensure the nails maintain a consistent, manageable length.
Moreover, frequent trims keep the quick short. If nails are left to overgrow, the quick tends to extend as well.
I’m thankful for Matilda’s trust in me, especially during painful situations. She did retract her paw a few times during the trimming process, but I’m confident she wouldn’t resort to biting.
Regular trims also foster this bond and trust. But remember, even the calmest of dogs might react aggressively when faced with intense pain or distress.
Always prioritize safety!
