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My dog's nail is bent sideways and painful. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed

My dogs nail has bent sideways (thumb nail) but it's not giving her any grief until I go to touch it I was wondering what to do about it?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 17th, 2016

I would recommend doing a light bandage wrap of the area using cast padding and an elastic bandage for now. Then in the morning have a professional take a look at it. They will have to cut the nail pretty much all the way down to where it is bent, this will cause some bleeding and mild-moderate temporary discomfort, which they can then apply the appropriate anti-coagulant, typically Quik-stop, to the area and wrap it for a couple of days until the area is no longer painful.. If there is significant swelling of the nail base then they may prescribe anti-inflammatories.

16Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
It got bent and probably partially broken - that is why it is painful to the touch. As it is probably still very well attached to the finger, I would advise bringing her to the vet in order to get it removed under sedation, otherwise it is going to be very painful.
12Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 3rd, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Stella! This can be quite painful for a dog and difficult to treat at home. In many instances the nail is turned sideways due to it being torn from the quick of the nail, and the torn portion needs to be removed (we often use a topical anesthetic and then pull the remaining nail off with hemostats) and the wound cleaned and in some cases bandaged. I would recommend bringing Stella in for your vet to take care of the toenail. Many dogs will not tolerate the owners messing with the painful nail at home and sometimes we also need pain medication or antibiotics. If she is licking at the area then an e-collar can be used until she can be seen to prevent introducing bacteria/infection and causing further trauma.
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on January 6th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bear!

Yes the torn nail needs to be cut at the level of the break. The area will bleed afterwards. Be sure to have something available to stop the bleeding: flour, nail Quick stop. Not removing it will leave a chronic source of pain and he will limp and lick the nail causing an infection. The nail bed should be cleaned well with soap and water then dried well. If the bleeding can be stopped a bandage may not be necessary. If it is hard to stop the bleeding and/or he won't stop licking then place a bandage for 3 days then remove it. Be sure the bandage doesn't get wet. It will need to be changed more frequently if it gets wet and can cause a kin infection if left on wet.

If you are not comfortable doing this or Bear may bite you, take him to a Vet to have it done.

I hope this helps and good luck!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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