How to Stop a Quick from Bleeding

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The quick is the part of your pet’s nails that contains the blood vessels and nerves. Most domestic pets, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and other rodents, all have quicks in their nails. Since the quick is a very tender spot, your pet will likely cry out in pain if you cut it. Additionally, the quick will start to bleed, but don’t worry. You can stop the bleeding with common household items like soap and baking soda, but it’s best to use a styptic pencil or powder. We'll explain what to do with the help of Veterinarian Natalie Punt, DVM.

How do you stop a bleeding quick?

Veterinarian Natalie Punt, DVM, recommends using a styptic powder to stop a pet’s nail quick from bleeding. She advises placing the powder onto the injured nail and applying firm but gentle pressure. The quick should stop bleeding in a matter of seconds, thanks to the powder’s clotting properties.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using a Bar of Soap

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  1. Hold the soap under running water for a few seconds to moisten it. This makes it easier to use on your pet. Alternatively, you can also hold the soap in a towel or rag so it’s not as slippery and easier to hold. [1]
    • Make sure to use a scent-free, plain bar of soap.
  2. It’s best to hold your pet in your lap as you tend to their paw (if you’re able to do so). Grasp their foot with a firm, but gentle, pressure. Since they’re experiencing discomfort, it’s normal for your pet to want to pull away from you. [2]
    • If you can, ask someone to help you keep your pet steady.
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  3. Dip or press the nail into the wet soap to coat the injured nail in soap. The thin layer of soap may help stop the bleeding. Once the nail is coated, remove the nail from the soap. [3]
    • Make sure you aren’t holding onto your pet’s paw too tightly. You don’t want to squeeze the paw while trying to push the nail into the soap, as this could hurt your pet.
    • It’s okay if soap is stuck to the end of your pet’s nail. This helps keep the clot in place and will eventually rub off the nail.
    • If the nail is still bleeding after the soap is applied, take them to the vet.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Baking Soda, Baking Flour, or Cornstarch

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  1. These common household ingredients make a DIY clotting powder, and you can choose whichever one you have on hand. [4]
    • Applying these ingredients to your pet’s bleeding quick can help the blood clot faster; however, it doesn’t work as well as a styptic pencil or styptic powder . This is a great method to try in a pinch, but it’s not always foolproof.
  2. Hold your pet’s foot as you press the nail into the powder. Make sure the powder covers the entire end of the nail so that the quick is submerged. [5]
    • The powder will start to form a paste around the quick, which can help stop the bleeding.
    • Avoid wiping the blood off your pet’s nail before doing this, as the blood can actually help a clot form faster.
  3. 3
    Apply pressure to the nail. If the bleed doesn’t stop once the mixture is applied, apply firm but gentle pressure to your pet’s injury, as instructed by Dr. Punt. [6] Hold the paw up and press where the toe joins the foot with a clean towel or rag. [7]
    • If the bleeding still doesn’t stop within a few minutes, take your pet to the vet.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Applying a Styptic Pencil

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  1. Moisten the tip of your styptic pencil . Dip the pencil in water or put it under running water for a few seconds. This makes it easier to apply the pencil to your pet’s quick. [8]
    • A styptic pencil can be used on humans or animals to quickly stop minor bleeding. The pencil contains aluminum salts that help blood clot.
    • Variation: You can also use styptic powder , which has the same astringent properties as a styptic pencil. Press a little bit of the powder onto the nail, and then apply pressure with a clean towel until the bleeding stops.
    • Warning: Styptic pencils and powders are safe for dogs in small amounts, even if they lick them; however, keep the pencil and/or container of powder out of their reach.
  2. Use a firm, gentle pressure to control your pet’s paw while you apply the styptic pencil. Otherwise, it may be difficult to treat the wound. [10]
    • Since your pet will be experiencing discomfort from the cut quick, they may try to wiggle away from you. If you can, ask someone to help you keep them under control.
  3. Push the end of the styptic pencil onto the bleeding quick. Then, rub it back and forth to coat the quick. [11]
    • The styptic pencil may sting when it’s first applied, so your pet may whimper or try to pull away. However, this sensation should pass after a few minutes.
    • Avoid wiping the blood off your pet’s nail, as the blood can help the cut clot faster.
  4. Remove the pencil from the quick and look to see if the bleeding has stopped. A coating from the pencil will likely be left behind—this is okay. Avoid wiping off any excess blood or coating to ensure a clot forms. [12]
    • If the bleeding hasn’t stopped within 10-15 seconds, consult a vet. [13]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Getting Veterinary Care

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  1. Your pet’s quick should stop bleeding after a few minutes, especially if you used a home treatment to encourage clotting. However, the bleeding may persist, especially if the cut is very high up on the quick. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible if this is the case. [14]
    • The vet will be able to give your pet personalized care and help clot, close, and/or bandage the wound.
    • It may seem like there’s a lot of blood, but don’t panic. The loss of blood can look dramatic, but it’s unlikely to cause a healthy pet any severe problems. [15]
    • Wrap your pet’s foot with a towel or bandage and apply pressure to it (if able) while traveling to the vet.
  2. Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed helps them stay healthy and avoid injury. If you’re uncomfortable trimming their nails at home , bring them to the vet or groomer regularly to have them trimmed. [16] As Dr. Punt says, “If you’re not comfortable doing it, don’t do it. Allow a professional to do it.” [17]
    • Aim to trim a dog’s nails every four weeks and a cat’s every 2 to 4 weeks.
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      Tips

      • Keep a styptic pencil or powder in your home so you have it on hand just in case you accidentally cut your pet’s nails too short or they injure themselves. [18]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thedodo.com/dodowell/how-to-stop-a-dogs-nail-from-bleeding
      2. ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=1f747013-1d83-49ab-91fb-71dad3c22fc1&type=display
      3. ↑ https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/how-to-stop-dog-nail-bleeding/
      4. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-bleeding-in-dogs
      5. ↑ https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/health-wellbeing/at-home/nails
      6. ↑ Natalie Punt, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://www.dvgrr.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Education_Health_Lets_Cut_to_the_Quick.pdf
      8. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-broken-nails-in-dogs
      9. ↑ Natalie Punt, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=1f747013-1d83-49ab-91fb-71dad3c22fc1&type=display
      2. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-broken-nails-in-dogs
      3. ↑ https://www.thedodo.com/dodowell/how-to-stop-a-dogs-nail-from-bleeding
      4. ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=1f747013-1d83-49ab-91fb-71dad3c22fc1&type=display
      5. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/medications/first-aid-for-bleeding
      6. ↑ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/long-claws/
      7. ↑ https://petsitters.org/page/DogWoundCarePreventingandTreatingtheWoundFastHealthy
      8. ↑ Natalie Punt, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-groom-your-dog-home

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