It’s easy for your dog’s thumb claw to buckle. When playing or romping or when the dog gets stuck somewhere while walking the dog.
In this article, you will find out how to provide first aid to your dog with a bent thumb claw and how to proceed until it heals.
What can I do if my dog’s thumb claw is bent over?
The thumb claw in dogs is the first claw on the inside of the front paws. This has when running no ground contact.
If the thumb claw is injured or twisted, this is often not immediately apparent.
A bent thumb claw usually goes through pain sensitivity noticeable when your dog touches the spot flinches or even howls or whines.
Often an injury to the thumb claw can also be done with one bleeding along.
First you should see your dog stay calmto determine the degree of injury.
If the claw bed of the bent claw bleeds profusely, the first thing to do is to stop bleeding. It works best with one Printing compound.
Since your dog could be very sensitive to pain on the injured thumb claw, it is advisable to remove the bandage with a helper to hold the dog steady while you bandage him.
Once the bleeding has stopped, you should rinse the paw with clean water and a disinfectant spray disinfect. It also makes sense to carefully trim back long and annoying fur in the injured nail area.
In the next step you bring one disinfecting wound ointment like for example bepanthen or Betaisodona on the wound and apply a paw bandage.
You should use the area of the bent thumb claw pad well and don’t apply the bandage too tightly.
Danger:
Although your dog is usually a high-energy bundle, the pain associated with the injury will discourage him from frolicking. Taking care of the injured paw is very important for the healing process, so you should definitely avoid going on bike or running tours with your dog in the near future.
Can a broken thumb claw heal on its own?
Bent, broken or torn thumb claws usually heal on their own over time or grow back.
Depending on the severity of the injury and how it was treated, it is also possible that the thumb claw will no longer heal on its own.
How long does it take for a claw injury to heal?
The healing process for claw injuries is from several factors dependent.
First of all, it matters how extensively the claw was injured. An injury that reaches deep into the claw bed lasts longer than a torn or bent claw in the horn area.
Another factor, especially with claw injuries that are associated with bleeding, is whether an optimal miraculous supply has taken place.
If the wound has not been adequately disinfected or if foreign bodies remain in the wound, inflammation form that make the healing process more difficult or even impossible.
One excessive stress the injured paw also delays the healing process. Your faithful companion will happily follow you everywhere, despite the pain, or continue to romp around with fellow dogs. Protection therefore has a positive effect on the healing process.
Overall, the healing of a claw injury several weeks to months take advantage of.
When should I go to the vet?
A bent thumb claw, but also all other claw injuries should not be taken lightly.
On the one hand, claw injuries are painful and very annoying for your dog, on the other hand they limit his activity.
In addition, as a layman, it is difficult for you to determine the degree of injury in the case of claw injuries. Often that is too claw bed affected.
Consequential diseases, such as a Inflammation, can therefore not be excluded.
In some cases it makes sense that pull injured clawso that a new one can grow back. Only a vet can do that.
Therefore, if you have any claw injuries, it makes sense to take your dog to a veterinarian for an examination.
How can I prevent a thumb claw injury?
As mentioned at the beginning, the thumb claw has no ground contact. Apparently it hangs «just pointlessly» on the front leg. And this is precisely the point that you can prevent.
This hanging «hook» is almost predestined to get stuck anywhere and anytime.
The be-all and end-all of prevention is one regular claw care. If the thumb claw is trimmed back to a minimum, the risk of injury is reduced.
You can learn how to care for your claws yourself or leave it to a dog groomer or veterinarian.
In some cases it also makes sense Completely remove thumb claws. Your vet will be happy to advise you on this.
Conclusion
You should not take a bent thumb claw lightly. Even if the claw seems pointless, an injury at this point will cause your four-legged friend a lot of pain.
It is important to give your dog first aid before going to the vet. You can also help your furry friend by taking it easy during the healing process.