This nail was broken nearly all the way off, leaving the nailbed painfully exposed. The dog’s owner was able to pull off the broken remnant with her fingers. Note that the dog’s nails are too long; long nails break easily. Photo by Nancy Kerns.
Torn or split nails are a fairly common problem with dogs but can be easily addressed by either you or your veterinarian. Some torn or damaged claws are not easy to remove, or may be so painful for your dog that he requires sedation to properly remove the damaged claw. Seek veterinary care in these situations, or if you notice a foul odor or discharge from the nailbed, or if the affected toe appears red and swollen. These are signs of an infection and an antibiotic may need to be prescribed.
But if there are no signs of infection, and your dog will allow you to examine the damaged nail, you can treat the broken or split nail yourself. Be aware, however, that torn nails are very painful. Even the sweetest dog on earth may get a little snippy about having a torn claw touched.
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Place an Elizabethan collar on your dog (a.k.a. a “cone”). You can also use a muzzle. This will keep you from being accidentally bitten as you take care of the broken nail.
If the nail has been split vertically with the quick exposed and one side of the nail is freely movable, then you can try trimming away that side of the claw. Get as close to the base of the split as you can without damaging or cutting the quick.
If the nail is split or cracked vertically but both sides of the claw are firmly attached to the quick, then treatment is as follows: Trim the end of the claw as you normally would for routine nail trims. Then round the end of the claw and the edges of the crack with a nail file or, better yet, a Dremel tool. This will help to keep the claw from getting snagged and causing further damage.
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In the package, Pawz resemble uninflated balloons. But they protect your dog’s feet well – and few dogs mind having them on. Photo courtesy of Pawz.
Ideally, have your dog wear a protective boot on the affected paw for about a week until the claw starts to grow out past the split point. (My favorite products for this purpose are called Pawz; they are thin, lightweight, and well tolerated by most dogs, even ones that don’t like to wear boots. They are available online and in many major pet supply chain stores.)
Whatever you do, do not use superglue on a vertically split nail! When applied to a surface, superglue undergoes a chemical reaction that generates heat. If you apply superglue to a cracked nail, the heat it generates may burn the very sensitive quick.
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It’s definitely easier for a veterinarian to address your dog’s broken nail – especially with the help of a local anesthetic and/or a sedative. But if there is no sign of infection, and your dog will allow you to examine the nail, you may be able to treat it yourself. Photo by Nancy Kerns.
If your dog’s nail is bleeding, address that first. Apply a generous layer of styptic powder (often sold under the name “Kwik Stop”) to the torn nail. If you don’t have styptic powder, you can use flour or corn starch.
Applying a cool compress to the nail and toe for a few minutes will help slow the blood flow from the exposed nailbed. A Chinese herb called yunnan baiyao may also help stop the bleeding. Just open the capsule and apply the contents to the exposed nailbed.
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The paw has been gently washed and the hair around the broken nail has been clipped (as much as could be without touching the nailbed). Once the paw is dry (and the other nails trimmed), the paw should be wrapped. Photo by Nancy Kerns.
You can find the necessary bandage supplies, including fabric adhesive wrap, in the first aid section of pharmacies or grocery stores. The wrap and chlorhexidine cleansing solution can be found at most pet supply stores or through online pet supply retailers. It’s a good idea to have these supplies on hand so that you have them when the need arises. (See “12 Items to Include in Your DIY First-Aid Kit, ” WDJ April 2022.)
A claw that has been torn will take several weeks to grow back. The new claw will likely appear normal but may be somewhat deformed. If your dog appears sensitive about walking on the affected paw, you may want to apply a protective boot when walking outside. Again, this is a situation where one of the Pawz lightweight rubber boots would be perfect.
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Trimming your dog’s claws regularly can help minimize the risk of tearing a nail. Once a month is a typical routine, although some dogs may require trimming every two to three weeks.
If you notice that your dog’s claws seem brittle or if the claws are lifting off and separating from the nailbed on a regular basis, have your dog assessed by a veterinarian. Certain fungal and bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, and endocrine diseases can cause abnormal growth of the claws or brittle nails.
Last September, I thought we were at the end of life for my 15-year-old dog Otto. His arthritis pain is severe, and his daily...Dogs depend on their nails to perform a wide range of functions. They provide stability and traction when they walk and run. Nails also come in handy during fun activities like digging or swatting objects. When the nails suffer trauma, develop a disease, or have an abnormality, it can make it difficult for dogs to behave normally.
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If you believe your dog has a claw or nail disorder, it is important to know what symptoms to look for, what is causing the claw or nail disorder, and how best to treat it.
Dog nails contain more than just hard, thick keratin. Inside, the nails have blood vessels and nerves, the portion referred to as the “quick.” These nerves and blood vessels only extend a portion down the dog’s nail before a hollow section of keratin shell makes up the end of the nail. The area where the nail exits the digit on the dog’s paw is called the nail bed.
Claw and nail disorders in dogs can occur for a wide range of reasons, such as diseases, injuries, or poor nutrition. Some of the most common causes can be found below:
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Nail injuries are relatively common in dogs as they can become caught on things when walking or running, resulting in a split or tear. When a nail injury occurs, it may bleed or the area around the nail may swell slightly. If you encounter a nail injury, inspect the extent of the damage, stop any bleeding, and clean the area. Nail injuries that appear red, swollen, or produce discharge should be seen by a veterinarian.
It’s very common for dog owners to accidentally hit the “quick” when trimming their dog’s own nails. When this occurs, it severs the blood vessel and nerve inside the nail, causing bleeding and pain for the dog. If you accidentally hit your dog’s quick, apply pressure with a cloth. Have a styptic powder on hand to dip your dog’s nail into and press the powder to the bleeding area. Flour and cornstarch can also work in a pinch but are not as effective. Contact your vet if bleeding occurs for more than 15 minutes.
Dogs can develop an infection of the nail bed, a condition known as paronychia. Nail infections can have a variety of causes, such as allergies, injuries, skin problems, or disorders of the nail. Most nail bed infections are fungal or bacterial and may require antibiotics or antifungal medication to treat. Some food and environmental allergies can also lead to itching or chewing of the feet, resulting in nail bed infections.
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Claw and nail disorders in dogs can also have other causes, such as poor nutrition when a dog does not receive the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Autoimmune disorders can also affect the nails, as well as the whole body. Treatment for autoimmune disorders usually involves the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Finally, tumors can develop on the paws or nail beds, directly impacting nail growth. Depending on if the tumors are cancerous, your vet may recommend surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Treatment for claw and nail disorders is dependent on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, an antibiotic or antimicrobial soak may be enough to reduce inflammation and encourage healing. If nail problems persist, your vet may recommend the surgical removal of the nail plate to encourage drainage. Topical treatments and/or ointments can be administered to the affected area.
While it is not always possible to prevent all types of claw and nail disorders in dogs, there are some problems that you can avoid. When trimming your dog’s nails, avoid cutting too close to the nail bed or quick.
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