My dog's cracked nail makes him limp. Can I treat it at home?

I recommend booking an appointment with a veterinarian to have Lexie’s nail evaluated, as it is likely causing her pain, as indicated by the limping. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous (and even deadly) for dogs, so I do not recommend giving any to your pup without consulting with your vet. Your veterinarian can prescribe safe medication to help with the pain, and can clean and treat the injury to help reduce the risk of infection. In the meantime, I recommend putting an e-collar (cone) on Lexie to help prevent her from licking her paw an reduce the risk of infection. I hope Lexie feels better soon!

Hello, thank you for your question about Louie. Based on the photos you’ve attached and the symptoms that you are describing I think that you could certainly continue to monitor and keep a loose fitting bandage on. It does not look like the nail is hanging or needs to be removed at this point. I would recommended changing this bandage twice daily and preventing the bandage material from getting wet/dirty as this can predispose Louie to infection. if the wound doesn’t improve or you notice any discharge or swelling of the associated toe I would recommend consulting with your veterinarian as this many indicated development of an infection. Hope this helps, good luck!

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. So sorry this happened to Frank. If it is not causing him any issues and it is not bleeding then you don't really need to take him to the vet. If he starts limping or the toe becomes swollen, etc then you will need to get him to a vet at that time. I recommend you get this spray wound gel to apply to it (link below, use as directed). I would not do any vigorous cleaning as you may disrupt any blood clots that will then cause it to bleed. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-wound-and-skin-hydrogel-for-pets ) Also, if he begins to lick it, you will need to get him a cone collar to wear. If he licks it too much it may get infected. We do not want him to lick the wound gel off either as that will defeat the purpose of using it. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-recovery-cone-collar-large-1225-21-3498991 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Devon. Poor boy! Limping means he is in pain, and the fact that he bites you when you try to touch it means he's really hurt. I would take him into a vet now. The vet can sedate him, and can remove the rest of the nail safely. He will also need pain medications and antibiotics, which the vet can prescribe. I recommend taking him into a vet immediately. I hope this helps!

Hello. The nail has indeed split & what you are seeing is the fleshy quick of the nail. My remedy is to snip off the hanging part of the nail & bandage the foot for a few days to protect the sensitive quick until it begins to heal. Your veterinarian can do this quickly & efficiently & Tiny will feeling much better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would cut the nail as it can grow into the pad causing pain and infection. Clean the pad with hydrogen peroxide afterwards. If he's still lame then bring him in Tuesday for an exam as the lameness may not be caused by the nail. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Marley.

Hello. This is such a common injury in dogs. Veterinarians deal with this by cutting the nail at the break & then applying an antibiotic cream mixed with a little lidocaine to stop the pain. The foot stays bandaged for a couple of days until the sensitive tissue starts to heal. From here, the nail will begin to grow out & Jack will be back to his old self. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.