How to Stop a Dog's Nail from Bleeding in 3 Steps

If you accidentally clipped your furry friend’s nails a little too short, don’t feel bad! Drawing blood while trimming nails is quite common and can usually be remedied in just a few minutes. 

Dog nail bleeding occurs when you cut the soft cuticle on the nail, known as the “quick.” Mainly located above the nail curve, a dog’s nail quick contains blood vessels and nerves. If your dog has light-colored nails, look for the pink region at the center. That’s the quick! 

Find out how to stop a dog’s nail from bleeding and what you can do to avoid clipping the quick moving forward. 

 Step 1: Calm Your Dog 

Because the quick contains nerve endings, dogs often feel a bit of pain when it gets cut. A sudden squirm or whimper may startle you, but it’s important to keep your composure. Dogs look to their pet parents for guidance in moments of distress, so maintaining a calm voice and body language will reassure your furry friend that everything will be okay. 

You’ll want to gently hold your dog down as you prepare to treat the wound. This could be tricky if their stress remains elevated, so consider enlisting help if somebody else is home. 

Step 2: Control the Bleeding 

So, how do you get a dog’s nail to stop bleeding? We recommend a styptic power as a fast and effective solution. This agent promotes hemostasis (the process of stopping bleeding), quickly coating the affected area. Simply pour a small amount into the cap and dip a moistened cotton tip into it. Apply the moistened powder onto your dog’s wound and press moderately for 5 to 10 seconds. Alternatively, you can apply a styptic gel directly to the wound for a similar effect. 

Blood should start to clot shortly. If dog nail bleeding persists for more than a few minutes, contact your veterinarian for treatment. 

If you have neither a styptic powder nor gel on hand, call your veterinarian or professional groomer for advice. 

🐾 Related: How to Cut Dog Nails: A Guide

Step 3: Clean the Wound 

Gently pat your dog’s wound dry with lukewarm water once the bleeding has stopped. Your furry friend may try to lick the wound, which can break the clot or even cause an infection. If you notice this behavior, bandage the wound or consider putting your dog in booties to keep their mouth away from the affected area. 

This is also a good time to praise your dog for getting through the experience. Give them lots of cuddles and a tasty chew treat to help lift their spirits! 

How to Avoid Cutting Your Dog’s Quick 

If your dog’s nails are light enough to reveal the quick, avoiding it will be easy. If their nails are black, look for a groove at the bottom of each nail. This groove separates the hard nail from the soft cuticle and should not be cut. 

Finding a quality nail clipper will also help you avoid cutting the quick. Our Professional Series Non-Slip Grip Nail Clipper features a built-in safety bar that prevents over-trimming, keeping you at ease when cutting your dog’s nails. For even more peace of mind, the non-slip handles offer ultimate control and precision. 

A Quick Recovery 

Having the right supplies will give you the confidence to stop a dog’s nail from bleeding and help them get better soon. Keep your materials close by when trimming your furry friend’s nails, and you’ll be prepared just in case their quick gets nicked! 

Trimming isn’t the only pet parenting duty that can cause stress. Discover the best dog grooming supplies to ensure a safe, effective routine.