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My dog's ripped nail is swollen and infected. What home remedies work?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 8 lbs

My dogs nails ripped completely off its been about three weeks and now its swollen i think its infected how can i treat this at home?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on December 10th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lucy!

If you think it is infected it is best to have your Vet examine it and provide oral antibiotics. At home you can soak the foot in Epsom salts and apply a triple antibiotic ointment around the nail base twice daily. Lucy should also wear and E-collar at all times to prevent licking the toe. If there is no improvement in 5 days she should see your Vet. If it gets worse in those 5 days then sooner.

I hope this helps and I wish Lucy a speedy recovery!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on January 29th, 2018
What I recommend for patients that cannot get in to see me for a while and may have an infected nail bed is to soak the foot in Epsom Salts (following the instructions on the box for making it up) for 5 minutes then just drying it well. That will help decrease the swelling a little. That can be done once daily if needed.
Applying a topical antibiotic cream can help, but one of the most important things is to prevent a dog from licking it. I will sometimes recommend an e-collar or a having the dog wear a bootie to prevent licking. Some owners decide to bandage the area, but you have to be very careful to keep the bandage clean and dry or it will worsen an infection.
I hope that answered your questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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