My dog lost nails due to infection. Will they grow back normally?

Sometimes, when the claw is brocken or the quick was exposed the area where the nail regenerates gets damaged and the horn will regrow in a different shape. This is usually not a problem and just a cosmetic matter. However these malformed nails also have to be clipped regularly. Apart from that I see no reddening or swelling that would point to an infection or inflammation.

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.

If the nail was torn, it is a good idea to try and trim it back if there are loose edges above the quick to prevent further snagging. If it was completely pulled out, it can grow back, however it is best to monitor for signs of infection as nailbeds can easily become infected. This can include pain, swelling of the paw, limping, chewing/licking at the paw, oozing of debris and discoloration. If you see any signs of pain or infection it is best to bring her to the vet ASAP for treatment.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! When humans or dogs rip off their nails there is a possibility they can grow back abnormally or when he tore it in may not all of the old nail came off and part of it is still there. I would have your Vet take a look. If there is old nail still present he may need to be sedated to trim that away so the new nail can grow in appropriately. Good luck!

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If the dew claw has been pulled off from the nail bed, the nail will eventually fall off and a new nail may grow back. Declaws often get caught easily and injuries to decllaws are common so it is recommended they be removed to prevent this from happening. If the claw is not healing well or frequently becomes infected, the declaw can be surgically removed.

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.

If it is just the nail without the bone, that was broken, then it should grow back. If the vet has to cut off the whole claw including the bone (last part of the digit) then it will not grow back. You should take Zeus to the vet , though, for some wound care, so he does not develop an infection. This is a very painful injury.