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Why is my dog licking her dew claw? Will it heal on its own?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 10 months old | 45 lbs

Good evening! My dog has been licking her dew claw for a few days. She won’t let me touch it; but she walks fine, and it doesn’t appear to be swollen or bleeding. Will this heal on its own? I’ve attached a photo of the tender claw as well as a photo of her healthy claw for comparison. Thank you!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 15th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This will likely heal on its own if you are able to keep her from licking at it. You can try using an e-collar to prevent further self trauma. Good luck and have a good night!

9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 10th, 2018
Some dogs have dew claws that are always hanging off because they are none articulated. it could also be because he hurt himself as dew claws often get caught in things. if it is definitely something that happened recently then you should take him to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated, either way i would recommend to have such a dew claw remove because it can cause a lot of problems in the future.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 6th, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear this happened to Cowboy.

The dewclaw will not come off on it's own. I suggest you get him to a vet for an exam. It is obviously painful for him so at least they can prescribe some pain medicine for him. If he keeps licking it then it may become infected causing a worse problem. The vet can examine the claw and determine what needs to be done (which may be nothing; I cannot tell from the photo).

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on March 10th, 2018
It looks like Penny broke her nail. I would recommend that you take her to a vet to have it examined. Depending on the location of the break and the tissue underneath, sometimes they can do a quick yank to remove the nail and other times they need to be sedated so the nail can be cut off short. Occasionally they need bandaging, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatories to help with healing. Until she sees the vet, make sure she doesn’t lick, since that can spread bacteria.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

My dog's dew claw is cracked and he chewed it. What should I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This can be quite painful. I recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They can consider removing the dew claw to take the source of pain away or it can be treated with pain medications and antibiotics for instance. In the meantime, keep him from being able to reach it as he will likely want to lick or chew at it which can make it a lot worse. You may use an e-collar for that purpose. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog's dew claw is irritated from licking. How to treat at home?

Gently clean it with warm water and antiseptic soap. Put an Ecollar on Dj to keep her from licking at it. You can buy one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep an eye on it, and if it gets swollen, warm to the touch, red, or you see pus, then it's infected and he has to see a vet. Best of luck. http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My dog's nail ripped and he won't stop licking it. Will it heal?

Yes, it will probably heal on it's own but you must stop him from licking at it. I suggest you use an E-collar and apply this wound spray to the affected nail area until it heals. The top portion of the nail may fall off as it looks like it is separated from the nail bed. Remember, the cone collar must be long enough to go past the end of his nose or he will still be able to lick so be sure to buy the correct size. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar ) ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-for-dogs )

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Health & Wellness

My dog's dew claw is injured. What can I do for pain until the vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is unfortunately nothing you can give for pain that is over the counter. What you can do though that may help prevent further injury and pain is to keep her as quiet as possible and to try to keep her from licking at it until the appointment as that in itself can help with pain. Other than that, your veterinarian will do the rest tomorrow. Have a good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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Why is my dog licking a red sore on his paw that won't heal?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. 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 night!

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Dog's nail bed cut and swollen from licking. Is a vet visit urgent?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for the picture! Due to the red fur staining it is evident that Babi is licking the toe. It is also pretty swollen. The first step is to prevent the licking by using an Elizabethan collar (cone) or donut. I do think it would heal faster if you saw a Vet. There is likely a bacterial and or yeast infection of the nail bed. Having oral antibiotics and antifungals and something to stop the desire to lick will speed this process up for you both. I hope this helps and I wish Babi a speedy recovery!

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My puppy cut her dew claw pad. How should I care for it at home?

I would check on the bandaging every 12-24 hours to make sure it is healing and isn't showing any signs of infection. If you start to see signs of infection such as oozing debris, hot to the touch, swelling, extreme pain, or it isn't healing, it is best to bring Harley to your vet so that the area can be cleaned, examined and antibiotics/pain meds given as needed. You will also want to place an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Harley to prevent her from licking and chewing off the bandage as she heals.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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