Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Dog's nail ripped, bleeding, quick exposed. Is a vet visit urgent?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 4 years and 11 months old | 65 lbs

Last night my dog daughter her nail on my bed while jumping off and it partially ripped out. It bled a lot and stopped for the most part. She keeps licking it so it starts bleeding again. It looks really painful as I think her quick is exposed. She won’t put weight on it. I’m not sure if I should take her into my local vet, and their phone lines are down due to a hurricane that just came through here.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 20th, 2020

Ouch poor Delilah, that looks quite painful! She won't put weight on it because it hurts her a lot and unfortunately there are no OTC pain relievers you can give her. Many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Yes in this case, she does need to see a vet for this. I would take her into a vet now. I hope you are ok after the hurricane!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 3rd, 2017
It probably keeps bleeding, because it is continually being scraped on the ground. I would bandage the foot with rolled gauze to prevent this from happening. It will also provide some comfort to Lemmy, as this is definitely very painful. You can tape a sock over the bandage to provide extra padding and protect the bandage from coming off. Even with the bandage it will bleed a bit, but it will heal quicker.

I've included a link below to a good video that explains how to properly place a bandage. At this time, I don't think you need to go back to the vet. If the bandaging is not successful, then you may consider scheduling another appointment to discuss other options.

https://youtu.be/BO5OCB5vGhg

I hope that helps and Lemmy gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog's nail bled, still limping after 3 days. Should I see a vet?

Please don't give any over-the-counter pain medications; they can be toxic to dogs at even low doses and giving them will confound your vet's ability to treat the pain with appropriate medications. The reality is that most of these nail injuries end up getting infected, and even if there's no infection they are exquisitely painful. You can compare it to losing your fingernail completely, but then having to walk on the uncovered cuticle. Patch likely needs to have the area numbed and the remaining nail pulled, then have a very soft/cushioning bandage placed, followed by antibiotics and pain medication. Please take him in to see his vet as soon as you can for this.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog hurt her nail, she's restless and in pain. Does she need a vet?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bailey. Poor girl! The nail looks like it has separated from the quick, which will be very painful to her. That would be why she is restless and does not want to lie down. You don't want to leave her in pain, and unfortunately there are no OTC pain relievers you can give her. Many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. You will need to take her into the vet in the morning to get this treated. Do not feed her breakfast in the morning, as she will need to be sedated to have the nail removed. The vet can also give her pain medication. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's toenail came off and is bleeding. Does he need a vet or OTC?

I think it would be best if you take him to the vet for a wound clean-up, and exam whether there is more than just a stripped nail. Your veterinarian will likely want to bandage the paw and give your dog pain medicine and an antibiotic so that the bacteria in that area cannot cause an infection.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's nail fell off, bleeding stopped. Does she need an emergency vet?

Poor Tandy! If the bleeding has stopped, then an emergency visit isn't need. I would gently clean the area with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep her from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's nail is torn, bleeding, and he's limping. What to do?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Devon. Poor boy! Limping means he is in pain, and the fact that he bites you when you try to touch it means he's really hurt. I would take him into a vet now. The vet can sedate him, and can remove the rest of the nail safely. He will also need pain medications and antibiotics, which the vet can prescribe. I recommend taking him into a vet immediately. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is limping and lifting her paw. Should I take her to the vet?

Poor Layla! If she is still limping I would make an appointment to have her seen by your vet. She may have injured her nail(s) as you described, or she may even have some soft tissue swelling/ irritation or a fracture. If there is a stick/ splinter/ other foreign object in her paw the vet can help remove it and treat it to help prevent infection. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous (and even deadly) for dogs, so I do not recommend giving any to Layla without consulting with your vet. I recommend keeping her in a crate or in a room where she can't run/ jump on anything and only taking her out for very short bathroom breaks until she is no longer limping. Make sure she's on a leash so she can't run and make things worse.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's bleeding hangnail is painful. Should I take her to the vet?

Poor Amber! That nail needs to be cut, but I'd have a vet do it since it's painful for her. Take her into the vet first thing in the morning to have it done. Tonight, bandage her paw (not too tight!) to keep her from licking at it. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share