Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
Nail injuries, and toe and nail bed tumours in dogs

Nail injuries, and toe and nail bed tumours in dogs

Diagnosis, Prevention and what to do if your dog has a broken nail or possible toe tumour

Has your dog ever had a broken nail? Not surprisingly, nail injuries are common in dogs. Sometimes they happen because they are too long, especially if your dog disagrees with you about whether or not their nails should be trimmed. I'm often asked how to cut dog’s nails, and some dogs (and people!) have a real fear of nail trimming. Similar to children, dogs have learned that a little bit of drama goes a long way when it comes to avoiding something they don't like doing.

But regardless of whether or not your pooch is okay with a nail trim, dog nails are also susceptible to growths developing under the nail bed, which leads to separation of the nail that can resemble an injury.

Large breeds are more frequently affected. The first sign of a growth may be that your dog's nail starts bleeding, which makes most people assume that their dogs were injured, but on closer examination a pink fleshy growth may be protruding from underneath or behind the nail.

This may not be as apparent in the early stage, however if a dog’s nail continues to bleed or looks detached, I suggest you go see your veterinarian right away.

How to stop your dog's nail from bleeding

As I mentioned, broken nails in dogs and other nail injuries are common, and there is no need to think the worst when they happen. A torn toenail can be addressed by applying pressure to stop bleeding, then trimming the nail as short as possible without causing more trauma, and bandaging the paw with Vetrap and a piece of gauze that is saturated in SkinSpray (my herbal wound healing formula).

Here are two videos that explain how to cut your dog's nails and wound healing:


SkinSpray
 not only speeds up the healing process, it helps prevent infection and reduces swelling and pain. I have had the chance to use it myself on cuts and it works well. The spray is all natural and made from four wound healing herbs. Learn more here.

Dr. Peter Dobias SkinSpray- All natural herbal healing spray

If your dog’s nail doesn't heal as expected, an exam should be done. If your vet suggests that there is a possibility of a tumour of the toe or nail bed, ideally, a histology sample should be taken to distinguish between a benign or a malignant growth. This should be done BEFORE a treatment decision is made. Recently, one of my friends had to put her dog through a toe amputation, and then a second surgery, because the diagnosis of the type of tumour was not established beforehand and the surgical margin was not wide enough.

I guess you may wonder why nail bed tumours appear in dogs.

For sure, genetic predisposition plays a role, however, similar to thyroid gland disorderstoe and nail bed tumours appear to be closely related to neck injuries that are more frequently seen in larger dogs.

Neck trauma can be caused either by falling, tumbling, or playing tug-of-war, however, the seemingly benign collars are the main cause of neck injuries, especially in dogs that pull on the leash. Persistent pressure caused by retractable leashes, jerks from applying the leash break, or just a pull because a dog wants to sniff something, all lead to chronic neck misalignment, nerve injury, and decreased energy flow to the feet.

To further clarify, restriction of energy flow in the neck affects the meridian lines corresponding with the feet. In simple terms, if a neck is injured, there is an increased likelihood of tumour formation.

Also, the fact that larger dogs are more affected is no coincidence because they're stronger leash pullers, and are more likely to suffer from neck injuries.

TOE TUMOURS IN DOGS: PREVENTION

If you want to prevent nail bed tumours, the first thing you need to do is use a well fitted no-pull harness to prevent neck injuries. I know it is tempting to snap the leash on a collar for convenience, but I never do. It simply is not worth the risk.

Also, keeping nails as short as possible will reduce trauma and inflammation of the nail bed, which will decrease the likelihood of tumours. Watch the video posted above as many times as you need to learn how to cut your dog’s nails!

Another possible cause may be repeated contact with lawn pesticides that are carcinogenic. If you use them, live near a golf course, or walk in chemically treated parks, wash your dog's feet with water after walking on treated lawns and stop using garden chemicals. I also suggest finding a safer dog walking location if possible.

Of course, an important part of every preventive program is healthy food and essential supplements to ensure your dog’s diet is balanced and the immune system is in optimal health. I give my dog Pax the Fab4 essentials. If you are not familiar with my Fab4 and want to learn more Click here.

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Pax the dog looking out airplane window
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • Dog smelling a white pony that is laying on the ground-communication hacks for a happier life
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating mixed fruit-safe fruits for dogs
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart-how to protect Dog heart health
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy- Dog heart health solutions
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • Dogs Opie and Pax laying on an outdoor deck-Perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man carrying a box being pointed at-Feedback and criticism
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with minerals and vitamins-The nutrient depletion epidemic
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias holding his dog Pax- finding peace amongst the chaos
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Person with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease holding the stomach
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • DHA-A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Peter Dobias and his dog Pax-why we struggle where our dogs excel
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap- dogs can save you from negative news
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man with great immunity system standing on top of a mountain- how to increase dog immune system
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar and leash-dangers of balloon effect
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier dog eating raw food-Best diet for dogs-raw diet
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close