Common Winter Injuries part I

Pawsitively Helpful Pet Tips with

DR. DEB

"Common Winter Injuries

part I"

1.  The first injury is often not extremely serious, but is still a painful one-- TORN TOE NAIL.

Once we have several snowfall accumulations on the ground, the consistency can become more crusty and icy with the freeze and thaw process.  Dogs with long nails have a tendency to catch a nail in the coarse snow possibly causing it to tear, especially while running or playing.

If your dog has been exercising, his/her blood pressure is higher than at rest, causing the torn nail to bleed more.  (It is rare that a normal dog could lose enough blood from a torn nail to be dangerous unless he/she has an underlying illness or clotting disorder.)  Nonetheless, a dog bleeding from a torn nail can be unnerving.

It may be a good idea to have on hand a product like Kwik Stop styptic powder among your home pet supplies.  First, try to apply pressure to the area for several minutes if your dog will allow it.  Then use Kwik Stop powder to pack over the bleeding nail.  You could also try corn starch in place of a styptic product.

A bandage may be needed for a short time to keep your pet from licking the area, and for some continued pressure if bleeding continues.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT NOT TO WRAP A BANDAGE TOO TIGHTLY IN AN ATTEMPT TO APPLY PRESSURE TO AREA.  Wraps should be applied by laying the gauze down with very light pressure during the wrapping process, and not pulling it too snug.  Small cotton balls placed between the toes and in front of the large pad under the paw help with moisture control.  Similarly, cotton placed between the dewclaw and the skin help prevent the dewclaw from cutting into the skin once the pressure of a wrap is applied.  The entire paw should be included in the wrap to minimize swelling below the bandage.  A little white medical tape applied to the top edge to secure it to the pet's hair can keep the bandage from falling off.  Kid's socks may work as a temporary emergency basis, as it will trap moisture, enhancing skin infections.

All bandages should be checked often to be sure a pet's activity hasn't allowed them to shift or twist creating a tourniquet effect.  Have you veterinarian check the paw/bandage as soon as possible, especially if the torn nail bleeds through the wrap.  Bandages left on the for too long a periods will trap moisture creating a skin infection.  It is best to change the bandage every 1 to 2 days if managing at home, and immediately if it becomes wet.  TIP: Keep your dog's nails trimmed regularly, and consider a Dremel type grinding tool to smooth the tips weekly.  The Dremel Minimite 4.8V works well for dog nails and may be better accepted by "nail shy" dogs than conventional trimmers.

2.  LACERATED PADS occur frequently from shards of ice or snow concealing sharp objects underneath, such as lawn edging or glass.  Unlike torn nails, some pad/paw lacerations can be more serious cutting through ligaments and/or lacerating vessels in the foot causing more concerning blood losses.  Contact you veterinarian or after hours service right away.  Bandaging is the best first aid until veterinary care can be sought.