My dog's nail looks like the outer layer broke off. What should I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is really not much more you can do at home. You have done a good job so far. Now this is likely going to continue to improve slowly but it will take time to do so. If he appears to be painful, it would be best to go to a veterinarian as they can proceed to cut the rest of the nail so it heals quicker and also send him home on pain control medications. Best of luck!

The new claw is probably the cuticle which is inside the nail. This is quite painful. I would trim the toenail where it’s broken. If it’s at the cuticle it may bleed. Have styptic powder to put on the cuticle to stop the bleeding. The nail will grow fine afterwards. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Pecas.

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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! When humans or dogs rip off their nails there is a possibility they can grow back abnormally or when he tore it in may not all of the old nail came off and part of it is still there. I would have your Vet take a look. If there is old nail still present he may need to be sedated to trim that away so the new nail can grow in appropriately. Good luck!

The nail does not look infected and, even though looks broken, it can be left there as it is as new one will grow and push it forward. Part of the nail bed may be partially exposed, but not at the point where it can bleed or require any intervention. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

The broken part of the nail needs to be cut off. A groomer can do this. As long as the nail bed isn’t bleeding or painful there is no need to see a veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Winston.

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.