Just like people,
dogs occasionally break their toes
. Broken toes may not be as obviously seen as larger broken bones in the body are but there are still things dog owners need to do to ensure a broken toe heals properly.
What do you do for a dogs broken toe?
- Safely restrain your dog. Have someone hold your pet while you tend to the nail. …
- Control bleeding by wrapping the foot in gauze or a towel and applying pressure to the injured toe. …
- Remove the damaged part of the nail. …
- Protect the nail bed from infection. …
- Control the pain.
What happens when a dog breaks a toe?
A broken or fractured toe left untreated on a dog
could lead to infection
. It can also heal incorrectly, causing a dog pain when it walks. Infection is a common complication when letting the toe heal on its own.
Is it common for dogs to break a toe?
Toe fractures are
somewhat common in active dogs
and can take a significant amount of time to heal. This is because it is difficult to stabilize the bone as the patient walks around.
What does a dog’s broken toe look like?
Signs of a Broken Toe in a Dog
They will most often also
limp when walking or hold up the paw with a broken toe in it, even at rest
. 1 The toe or whole paw may appear swollen though this may be hard to see in long-haired dogs. Finally, a dog may lick at the broken toe in an attempt to relieve the pain.
What’s a broken toe look like?
Broken Toe Symptoms
Bruising of the skin around the toe may also be noticeable.
The toe may not look normal, and it may even look bent or deformed if the broken bone is out of place
. It may be difficult to walk because of the pain, especially if the big toe is fractured. Shoes may be painful to wear or feel too tight.
How do you tell if a dog’s paw is broken?
Can dogs sprain their toes?
A sprained toe most often occurs when a toe nail stays fixed in a position while the rest of the body continues to move in a different direction
. This will generally result in a stutter step or trip, but the dog is typically able to complete the course.
How much does it cost to fix a dog’s broken toe?
Generally, the cost of a dog’s broken bone runs from
$200 to $1,000 and up
. Some minor fractures don’t require any treatment besides rest; others, like compound fractures, may involve surgery and steel plates inserted into the animal’s limb.
Is my dogs paw broken or sprained?
According to VCA Hospitals, other signs that your dog’s leg might be broken include
intense pain, swelling at the site of the fracture, and the leg lying at an awkward angle
. If your dog is willing to walk, he won’t put any weight on a leg that’s broken, but will instead carry it above the ground.
Is my dog’s paw broken or sprained?
The most apparent sign of a sprained leg
is that your dog will begin to limp or change their natural gait to accommodate the injured leg. This is because your dog will shift their weight to the uninjured paw to reduce the pain in their injured leg. You may also hear your dog cry out when landing, playing, or running.
How do you treat a sprained toe on a dog?
- Give your dog nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease inflammation. …
- Apply an ice pack or heating pad.
- Make sure your dog rests. …
- Walk your dog on a leash, taking it slowly at first.
How long does it take for a broken dog toe to heal?
Your vet will explain how long the bone may take to heal, but generally canine fractures need
a minimum of four weeks in young puppies and eight weeks in older animals
to heal sufficiently and eventually return to normal.
Can a dog walk on a broken paw?
Here’s a simple guideline to help you determine the severity of the injury:
Most dogs will not walk on a broken leg or dislocated joint
. A good exam requires two people: one to examine the leg and one to restrain the dog. Painful dogs bite, even people they love, so be cautious. If the exam becomes too painful, stop!
How do you tell if toe is fractured or sprained?
One other key difference between a break and a sprain is the location of the pain. Usually a break will hurt right where the bone has fractured. With a sprain, the pain may be felt in a more general area around the toe. The only way to tell for sure if the injury is a break or a sprain is to
see your doctor
.
What happens if you leave a broken toe untreated?
Broken toes that don’t heal properly
increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis or permanent nerve damage down the line
. The right treatment with a foot and toe expert helps ensure your broken toe heals the right way so you can resume your normal activities without worrying about complications.
How do you tell if toe is broken or just bruised?
If it hurts the rest of the day and longer, you may have a fracture. When you stub your toe, it’s normal to expect some bruising and even some blood under the toenail. But,
if the discoloration lasts for a few days, if it spreads, or if it seems like there is too much blood under the nail, you might have a broken toe
.
Can a dog break a bone in its paw?
A dog can break or injure her foot a number of ways, including getting her foot caught in fencing or flooring, having her foot stepped on, being hit by a car, or even stubbing her toe, says Blue Pearl Vet. With a broken paw, a dog will often act similarly to a human with a broken foot.
How do I know if my dog sprained his toe?
- Excessive licking on joints or legs.
- Limping.
- Loss of appetite.
- Pain.
- Reddened joints.
- Reluctance to put weight on paw or limb.
- Swollen joints.
- Swollen paws.
