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My puppy's nail turned black. Should I be worried about the color?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 23 days old | 3 lbs

Hi one of my dog's nails turned black, should I be worried? She is a JackChi almost 4 months old

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Christina Kellogg, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 24th, 2017

That appears to be normal pigmentation development. If there is any sign of infection around the nail bed (redness, swelling, discharge) or Kendra is licking/chewing the area, you may want to have it examined and treated. But the color development appears normal. Hope this helps.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 9th, 2020
Occasionally a nail can become pigmented after trauma to the nail base. It can also be normal for hair, skin and nails to develop more pigment over time as part of a normal aging change. To me the nail in your picture looks fairly normal but if Barry seems uncomfortable again I'd recommend having your vet take a look in person.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 29th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. When nails turn a different color, it can be from trauma, a fungal infection, etc. I would recommend having the nail looked at by a veterinarian so that the most a appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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