My cat's nail ripped off. Is my exposed nail bed care normal?

You can use both. A thin layer of iodine ointment will serve to help prevent infection. The Woun’ dres can be applied over it. If Caesar is likely to lick it, I recommend an e-collar. He may chew and eat a bandage if he isn’t wearing an e-collar. Bandages are also tricky because they can trap moisture and can tighten, cutting off circulation to the paw. I would continue applying both three times a day until the nail bed appears completely dry and scabbed over. You can place a toddler sock or a bootie over the paw when you take Caesar outside to pee and poop but I would avoid long walks for the next week. Good luck!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Khufu. You've done the right thing by cleaning his nail, and if it isn't bothering, keep an eye on him for now. If you see him licking it a lot, limping, or signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, pus), have him seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Hi there. It looks like Mae ripped off her nail while she was out and about. There isn't much to do for that other than let the nail grow back. If she'll tolerate it, you can try soaking her feet in warm water with some epsom salts sprinkled in, this can be very soothing. Otherwise, I think you are fine to just monitor at home and see the vet if there are any changes. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would gently clean the wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep Speedy from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it.

No, I would not be worried at this time. I suggest you clean that area with a dilution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water. Just put the diluted peroxide on a cotton ball and wipe the nail bed area until clean. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

You can try making an Epsom salts soak (directions for dilution with warm water are on the package), which will help to cleanse the toes, and hopefully give Maki some protection against infection - but she might not tolerate it well. You can also purchase an e-collar, which will keep her from licking, as this often causes secondary infection. You can show this to your parents - if the skin is truly peeled back, it's likely that Maki is quite painful (imagine how that would feel) and needs veterinary care in order to protect the area, prevent infection, and treat the pain. You might tell them that dealing with this now, rather than later, may be less expensive, as foot injuries can easily get complicated in cats, since they use a litter box, and infection is common.

Is it possible that Mickey got in a fight with something? I can't tell from the photo's if the nail is actually broken or not. They do have an outter cuticle that can shed but the nail is still fine and intact. Examine the 'quik' of the nail (that's the pinkish area at the base of the nail). If the break is through that area, if you see blood or redness around the base of the nail, have Mickey examined by the veterinarian. Clean off his paws as best he will let you. Check him all over for any bite wounds and have him examined if any area found. You may also just have him examined to be safe. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.