Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Dark, painful toenail on my dog: Is it a bruise or something else?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | unspayed | 5 years old | 50 lbs

I would greatly appreciate some insight to a difference in color on my 5 year old female boxer’s toenail. For the past few days when she uses her foot to scratch, she faintly yelps/whines and then licks her foot. I looked at her foot with a flashlight and one of her toenails appears dark red with a black, misshapen patch. She is very active, and we spend quite a bit of time in the sun at the beach, which makes it difficult for me to distinguish if it is just a bruise or something more malignant.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on June 29th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think this is inflammation of the tissue underneath which could have been due to minor trauma. As long as Ella is otherwise doing fine, it would ok to monitor as if it is just mild inflammation, it is expected to normalize and look like the rest of her nails within a day or two. Good luck and have a great day!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Why does my dog have dark spots on his toenails? Is it a bruise?

I don’t think that the spot in the picture looks like a bruise. To me it looks like maybe a spit of yeast overgrowth. It can cause some itchiness and licking, which makes it grow even faster. You can try bathing the affected areas with a medicated shampoo, like the one linked below. Do this three times a week for a couple weeks. If it seems to increase, affect more toes, you see more licking, etc I would see a vet for more specific treatment. Dechra MiconaHex + Triz Shampoo for Dogs, Cats & Horses (8oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YFFLL4F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N5G89AEZF1GJXN3R0TKH

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog have bald spots and discolored paw pads/nails?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The tan on the pink part of his paws in normal callus formation over time. In dogs with black paws it is less obvious. The brown discoloration in the nails usually indicates a yeast infection of the nails. If he isn't licking the feet or having any problems you may not have to do anything for the yeast. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's paw is swollen, bleeding, and smells near the toenail. What to do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to an infection or a traumatic injury for example. It is difficult to know without being able to examine her. I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to start antibiotics if needed. Good luck and have a good night!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's paw is swollen and purple from an ingrown nail. What to do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely happening because of the nail. This is probably very painful. I recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian. They would be able to evaluate the area carefully and probably cut the nail carefully. Pain control medications and medications for inflammation may be used after to help with healing. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog have a red spot on his paw, not a lost nail?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a cracked nail and a bump behind it. What's wrong?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be a site of inflammation. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Remington evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's paw is red and swollen around the nail. Should I see a vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Just like you indicated, this could be due to a foreign body getting stuck in the digit though other things like a deep infection or even a growth cannot be ruled out. It could even be secondary to her licking at it. For this reason, it is important to rule those out. I recommend a visit to your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share