My dog's broken nail is popped up. What should I do to help it?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Ouch, poor Naria. If the nail is completely removed and exposing the nail bed, keep the toe as clean as possible to try to prevent infection. For my patients that have done this, I typically will place them on oral antibiotics and analgesics (pain medication) to prevent infection and keep them comfortable while the nail regrows. Some nails will not regrow normally if the nailbed was also injured. If Naria is limping on the affected paw, or the toe becomes swollen I would recommend having her seen by her veterinarian for appropriate medications to be dispensed.

You can use both. A thin layer of iodine ointment will serve to help prevent infection. The Woun’ dres can be applied over it. If Caesar is likely to lick it, I recommend an e-collar. He may chew and eat a bandage if he isn’t wearing an e-collar. Bandages are also tricky because they can trap moisture and can tighten, cutting off circulation to the paw. I would continue applying both three times a day until the nail bed appears completely dry and scabbed over. You can place a toddler sock or a bootie over the paw when you take Caesar outside to pee and poop but I would avoid long walks for the next week. Good luck!

Usually once the nail falls off they are much more comfortable. Make sure to keep the nail bed clean by soaking in a small tub of warm water and Epsom salts a few times a day. Within several days it will harden and with in a few weeks you should notice the nail starting to regrow. If at any time it becomes more painful, or oozes, or develops an odor then he should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Clip the nail carefully. If there is bleeding, gentle pressure and some Quik Stop powder or plain cornstarch should stop it. Clean daily with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution. A dab of a triple antibiotic may be applied if necessary. Monitor for redness, swelling or lethargy. If she won't allow you to clip the nail, she may need to be seen by your veterinarian. Clip the other nails a bit to prevent snagging.

Hi there! Poor Nasus! Ok, so how everyone manages these varies. Usually these are caused by things like excessive digging and are trauma induced-bandaging will help keep it from getting dirty and exposed to the elements. Normally they will heal but usually the nail sloughs entirely in my experience. I usually recommend chlorhexadine soaks and antibiotics as well as pain medications. Your doctor can take a look and make sure the nail doesn't actually need to go ahead and be removed, and can prescribe these things for you. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is really not much more you can do at home. You have done a good job so far. Now this is likely going to continue to improve slowly but it will take time to do so. If he appears to be painful, it would be best to go to a veterinarian as they can proceed to cut the rest of the nail so it heals quicker and also send him home on pain control medications. Best of luck!

Poor Paddt! Sometimes these nails need to be removed behind the break. It's hard to give you the best advice without being able to examined the nail. I recommend to have Paddt examined by the veterinarian. He should also be wearing an elizabethan collar at all times to prevent any licking since this could make the nail infected. The area should be kept clean and dry and the exercise should be severely restricted until the nail is healed (no walks, running or jumping). I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.