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Dog nail cut too short: When can it get wet without bleeding?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 70 lbs

I clipped my dogs nail a little too short. It was bleeding so I used corn starch but bought kwik stop just in case. It hadn’t bled for a few hours at least. Well I put her outside and I think the snow on the ground made it start to bleed again. We put kwik stop on and a bandage. When is it going to heel enough where the moisture won’t affect it?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lotus Altholtz

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Lab Animal Medicine Specialist

Published on January 30th, 2019

It should heal enough within 24-48 hours for it not to bleed again when exposed to moisture. You can put on a doggie bootie or even a toddler sock in the meantime for walks outside (remove it once Lola comes inside as moisture retained in the bootie or sock is not ideal either). If you have a bandage on still, be sure to check her toes every few hours to make sure that they are still warm/that the bandage is not too tight (sometimes they can tighten on their own and even cause the paw to swell). It’s likely not necessary but you can also try applying liquid bandage that can be found in most drug stores/pharmacies. (vet’s often use a different version as tissue/surgery glue.) Good luck!

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 14th, 2019

    You can put a few socks on the foot to create a cushion but then take it off as soon as she comes inside. A clot will form in the end of her nail and it will need to be there for a few days before it can finish its job. During that time, make Lil be a couch potato. No waks, running or playing. Every time the clot is knocked off, it has to start all over again. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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