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My dog's nails are hurting her. Can a vet help without paperwork?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 8 years and 8 months old | 12 lbs

Hello, my dog is about 8 years old. She is a Maltese mix. I adopted her but do not have her paperwork. Recently I noticed two of her back legs nails (one on each paw) has curled all the way into her paw pad & I can see flesh. She does have a limp but since I’ve had her she does not seem to be in pain. She will barely let me trim her white nails much less the curled black ones, she freaks out. I want to give her proper care but Im not sure she will get serviced without her papers. What can I do ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 6th, 2018

Hi. Any veterinary clinic will see her and trim her nails even if not up to.date on vacciens. She most likely will need antibiotics and pain medications as well. If there is question on vaccines, they can update them again if that helps them. And she probly is in pain if she is limping. Good luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on January 22nd, 2019
Poor Faith! Definitely plan on taking her into the vet to have her checked for injury or arthritis.
Examine her paws very well for injury-look between the toes, around the nails and in-between the paw pads. Look for any injury, redness, discharge or swelling. If nothing is there, then make her rest. No walks, no running/jumping, and try to keep her from going up and down stairs and climbing off/on the furniture. If you can figure out which leg it is, a gentle massage twice daily will help it to feel better until you can get her into the veterinarian. I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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