Nail Grinders And Dog Tail Injuries: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

If Many pet owners have traded the traditional nail clippers for grinders to help keep their dog's claws trimmed and safe. For most, grinders are the preferred option because they are seen as a safer alternative. This is certainly true in most cases, but it's important that you know how to respond in the event that your dog's nail grinder does cause injury. In fact, a potential hazard is actually catching your pup's tail. This is particularly a risk if you have a puppy with a fluffy tail. Here's a look at what you need to know.

Turn The Grinder Off Immediately

The quicker you respond to a caught tail and turn the nail grinder off, the less damage will be done to your pup's tail overall. That's why it's important that you try to maintain composure, don't panic, and turn the grinder off as quickly as you can. Once the power is turned off, you need to expose the actual grinder component by removing the safety shield around the abrasive wheel. Usually, these shields simply pop off the grinder. 

Unwind Your Dog's Tail

You'll probably want to have someone hold and comfort your dog while you untangle the fur from the grinder. This is important because there are a lot of nerve endings in a dog's tail, so this part of the process could prove to be quite painful for your pup. Unwind the grinder in the opposite direction than it was spinning to help free the tail from the spindle.

Call Your Emergency Vet

As soon as your pup's tail is free from the grinder, if the damage is severe, you should take them to your local emergency vet. The sooner medical attention is provided, the better the chances are that your dog won't have lasting injuries. In severe cases, some or all of your dog's tail may need to be amputated. 

Be Prepared For Aftercare

In the unlikely event that your dog's tail is amputated, you'll be sent home with your dog, pain medication, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication. Make sure that you understand the dosing schedules for each of these. Your dog will likely have a cone on their head to prevent licking at the stitches on their tail. Since your pup will still wag their tail, it's challenging to bandage a wound like this. As a result, you may find that your dog's stitches are exposed and just need to be treated with ointment daily until the stitches can be removed.

Talk with your local vet hospital today for more information about your dog's treatment needs if they have a tail injury like this.