There is no “one size fits all” solution in relation to pets, as there is with almost everything else.
Due to this, it may be challenging to determine how much the procedure will cost or whether it will be covered by your pet insurance.
To assist you in making an informed choice, we’ve broken down the costs and dangers of having your dog’s toenails clipped in this article.
What can I do if my dog’s nail is broken?
Restrict your dog. There’s a good chance that your dog does have a broken nail if they suddenly start yelping in pain and limping while holding up a paw. Keeping your dog restrained while you attend to the nail is the best course of action in the beginning. To prevent any injuries, you might do things like have someone hold the dog down while you work on the nail or put the dog in a muzzle.
Control the bleeding – Wrap the nail in question with either a gauze or a towel while applying pressure to control the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 to 15 minutes, then you will want to apply either a styptic pencil or cauterizing powder, all of which can be found at a local pet supply store, to help the issue at hand. If you don’t have these products inside the home, you can try covering the nail with flour or try sticking the nail inside a bar of soap.
Remove the damaged portion of the nail: If you see a silver-colored, loosely attached portion of the nail that you believe can be easily trimmed at home, use a pair of clippers to do so. However, it’s best to take your dog to the neighborhood veterinary clinic if you don’t feel comfortable with the circumstances.
How much does it cost to have a vet take care of a broken dog nail?
Your local veterinarian will typically charge you between $80 and $150 if you bring your dog in with a broken, infected, split, or cracked nail. This price includes the visit fee, the antibiotics needed to prevent infection, and the bandaging procedure. Depending on where you live and the vet you choose, the cost range could be double or even triple this if you had to take your dog to the emergency room after hours.
If a significant portion of the nail needs to be removed, it may be necessary to remove the toe in rare but extreme circumstances. If so, the price could increase to $300 to $550 or more due to the anesthesia needed for the surgical procedure to remove all or part of the problematic toe.
Even though it might be alluring to try to fix the problem yourself, it is strongly advised that you take your dog to the doctor if there is excessive bleeding, toe swelling, signs of pain, and/or persistent licking or biting the affected area. Failure to do so could cause an infection, particularly if the tissue under the nail is visible.
Dr. Gary on JustAnswer.com, for instance, said in most cases, if the toenail is cracked, then the broken part can be removed and the dog will simply be placed on pain medication; however, if the toe needs to be removed, then the costs could run anywhere from $200 to $400 depending on where it’s done.
In order to prevent future contamination and reduce bleeding, your veterinarian will first apply an antibiotic cream or ointment to the exposed nail bed. This is followed by bandaging the foot. To prevent an infection, an antibiotic may also be advised depending on the break. The veterinarian will still want you to return the following week to closely monitor the break and remove the bandage to make sure it is healing as intended even after this procedure. If everything goes as planned, the pain and swelling should go away in two to three days, and the nail should grow back within the following few weeks.
A dog’s nail can break in a variety of ways, including getting it snagged on the carpet, inflammation, jumping off of a higher platform such as a porch, or in some cases, the nails of older pets could become so brittle that they break with ease. Longer nails, in most cases, will break much easier than nails that are consistently trimmed.
Does pet insurance cover dog toenail removal?
If you’re interested in learning what pet insurance covers, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Initially, confirm with your pet’s veterinarian that the procedure is deemed medically necessary (i e. , not just cosmetic).
Second, inquire about discounts on this procedure from your insurance company. Some do and some don’t—it varies by company.
However, there may be a way for you to cut the cost of having your dog’s nails trimmed: ask your vet about any memberships or discounts they may offer to regular clients. Some people might be tempted to pay out of pocket for dog nail removal.
If you promise to be a devoted customer who will return frequently for other services as well (like vaccinations), they might be willing to significantly lower their prices.
FAQ
Can a vet remove a dogs nail?
Sometimes the vet can quickly but carefully remove a loosely attached nail while your dog is still awake. However, your veterinarian might advise sedating your dog to have the nail removed if it has a severely torn nail or is in great pain.
Can a dog’s nail be permanently removed?
Yes, a dog’s toenail may be removed via nail removal surgery. But it is typically the last resort and is only applied to the most severe claw disorders. According to Dogs Forest, nail removal surgery is done when a sizable portion of the dog’s nail is damaged.
How much does it cost to trim a dog’s toenails?
You can see gummy gray matter under one nail that extends from your dog’s paw to about three-quarters of the nail if you look closely. This is the quick. The final 1/4 of the nail will likely appear hollow because there isn’t any gummy gray matter there. This is the portion to trim off.
When should I remove my dog’s nails?
Dogs should have their nails trimmed regularly, about every 3 to 4 weeks; however, owners frequently skip trimmings, which can cause the dog to develop a number of health problems. Regular cat claw trimming every 10 to 14 days will maintain your pet’s health.