My dog's dew claw is hanging off. Should I let it fall off naturally?

The nail is almost completely broken, it's barely hanging there, you should be able to easily cut it off with a nail clippers, i'm pretty sure it is not going to be painful and won't be bleeding either.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If the dew claw has been pulled off from the nail bed, the nail will eventually fall off and a new nail may grow back. Declaws often get caught easily and injuries to decllaws are common so it is recommended they be removed to prevent this from happening. If the claw is not healing well or frequently becomes infected, the declaw can be surgically removed.

It is likely to fall for itself but monitor closely for increasing pain or swelling which would require a vet visit to remove the nail and assess for infection. Bathing twice daily in salted water can help prevent infection

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ouch! You will need to pull the black nail that is lifted off the cuticle. If you don't that will be a chronic source of pain and infection. Be very careful doing this as it is painful and Ryder may bite. Have someone help you. Pull hard and fast. It may bleed. If you can't remove it make an appointment with your Vet. Good luck!

Poor Ranger! Continue to keep the area clean but i would recommend holding off for 12hours before any steps to remove as it may fall or he may take it off! If nearly off, twisting 5-10times may cause it to fall if not too painful or securely attached, otherwise i recommend a vet visit for numbing or sedation and removal by your vet. Do not attempt any manual removal without a safe and secure muzzle

Dogs do shed their nails, especially if they grow too long. As long as there is no blood, your dog isn't in pain, or there isn't a sign of infection, I don't think it's anything to worry about. You can get dog specific nail trimmers from a pet shop to help keep them from getting too long.

I think as long as you schedule a visit on Monday Bertie should be okay. I'd recommend getting a E-collar to prevent Bertie from licking the nail as this may result in infection. You can also soak the foot in a diluted chlorohexidine or diluted iodine solution and then rinse thoroughly. If Bertie stops eating, acts lethargic, starts limping, or is obsessively trying to lick the nail then it would be better to get him to a veterinarian sooner. If he remains otherwise normal I think you are okay in waiting until Monday. Torn nails can be pretty painful, but please remember there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs so you will need a prescription from a vet for pain meds. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Bertie's issue resolves quickly!