A dog nail infection is typically referred to as a nail clipping or grooming error. Both terms refer to the same type of mistake, namely failing to remove a nail during regular maintenance such as a nail polish removal or cuticle treatment.
A failed attempt at this can be dangerous for your dog. A nail infection occurs when bacteria from a pet’s nails enters the pet’s skin. Bacteria can colonize the skin and flesh of a dog, including its nails, which can lead to an open wound.
There are several ways to treat an infected nail. The most common method is by using a Veterinary Applied Science (VAS) antibiotic, which is usually applied using a brush or a tube. The other method is by using topical antibiotics, again using a brush or tube.
This article will discuss ways to prevent and treat an infected nail in your dog.
Contents:
Apply a small amount of antibacterial lotion to your dog’s nail twice a day
This may seem like a lot of medicine, but it can prevent or treat a serious nail infection. Many dog owners have used plain rubbing alcohol to clean their dogs’ paws, and it works the same wayDEBUG_TEASE|Tease|Taise|teasing|teasing_up_the_excitement.dog nail infections can be painful and expensive to treat. Even if you use an anti-inflammatory medication, your dog may still need to be hospitalized for recovery!
It is important to use an anti-bacterial home treatment that is effective. A good place to start is with one of the simplest products: water and soap. Try using only water or only soap in your dog’s nail care environment until you find an effective product.
Grind down the tip of the infected nail with an old toothbrush
This creates aureole which acts as a natural bandage. You can also use a credit card or cell phone billiton to grind down the nail.
Hold the toothbrush in your hand and gently shape the handle into a rounded circle shape. Then, hold the round handle with your thumb and forefinger respectively to create the smooth edge.
Using your other hand, press down on the round handle to force the Windsor knotting agent into place. Then, pull up on the toothbrush to apply pressure and begin brushing.
Do not use if you cannot hold out for at least twenty minutes of stimulation per day for daily use. The Windsor knotting agent will also break down if exposed to warm temperatures, so keep it in a dry place where it can be kept warm annually.
Soak your dog’s foot in warm water for 5-10 minutes two times a day
This helps to soften the skin around the animal’s foot, causing it more room to breathe and expand. It also acts as a cleaning agent, washing away any foreign objects that may have entered its system.
After this, you must gently wash the dog’s foot to remove any remaining medication. Then, you can put a sock or glove over the foot to protect it from any dry patches that may occur.
You can also use warm water and a soft wash cloth or socks to bathe the dog in case they have an infection.
Trim away the tip of the infected nail with scissors
This may be difficult when the nail is already long enough, because it is already flush against the natural nail.
To remove the ring of dead tissue around the infected nail, you must run the nail down a surface with ample space between the dead skin and the nail.
To remove the infection, you must spread one or more solutions over the entire length of the nail. One common home treatment involves baking soda and water mixed together, poured onto a cloth and left overnight to work.
Another solution involves applying saltwater, but this should be used cautiously- too much can cause your dog to suffer from dry mouth and skin irritation. Once dried, this solution can be applied via a brush or squirters.
If your dog has a hard time getting rid of an infection using these two methods, then there are also possible surgery options available.
See your veterinarian for prescription medication
Several drugs can kill a dogatoine infection, including imuran, fenbendazole, and piperacillin/tazobactam. All of these prevent the infection from spreading to the surrounding area.
However, only imuran and fenbendazole are currently recommended for dogs at high risk for KERATODICON, such as children’s hospitals or veterinary schools.
Both of these drugs can be expensive. A less widespread drug that may be useful is levofloxacin. Although it does not appear to prevent KERATODICIONISTS from developing resistance, it may be cheaper than imuran and fenbendazole.
Your vet can determine if any of these medications are safe for your dog. The way they prescribe them may also play a role in whether or not they prevent resistance.