Torn or bleeding nail

1. 1

   Restrain gently and stay calm

   Have someone hold your pet, or wrap them in a towel (the 'purrito' for cats). Pets feed off your energy — slow breaths, soft voice.

   Important: Even sweet pets nip when their paw hurts. A soft muzzle on dogs is fine if needed.
2. 2

   Apply styptic powder or a substitute

   Press styptic powder (Kwik Stop) firmly onto the bleeding tip for 30 seconds. No styptic? Use cornstarch, flour, or rub the nail into a bar of unscented soap.

   Tip: Keep styptic powder in your pet first-aid kit — every dog and cat owner needs it.
3. 3

   Apply firm pressure for 5 minutes

   Wrap the paw in clean gauze or a clean cloth and hold pressure. Don't peek — lifting breaks the clot.

4. 4

   Keep the paw clean and dry

   Once bleeding stops, keep your pet off carpet and out of dirt for an hour. A clean sock taped loosely (not tight) over the paw protects the nail while it scabs.

5. 5

   Watch for the broken piece

   If the nail is dangling or torn at the base (not just the tip), or if bleeding doesn't stop after 15 minutes of pressure — call your vet. A dangling nail usually needs trimming back under sedation.

   Important: Signs of infection in the next few days: limping, licking obsessively, swelling, pus, or warmth around the nail bed. See your vet.

Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.