Why is my dog's paw sensitive after being stepped on when I cut nails?

Ouch, poor Dexter! You're right, accidents do happen (and I've quicked many nails myself). Since Dexter seems resistant to walking on the affected foot, I recommend calling his vet. The vet may be able to prescribe a pain medication (typically a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as carprofen) for the next day or two. Unfortunately, there are no safe and effective over the counter pain medication options. Be sure to keep him from licking at the quicked nail, as this could exacerbate the issue. I hope that he's on the mend soon!

Poor Maximus! I have done this to my own dog too, it's stressful! It sounds like Maximus has it sustained any serious injury given that he is happy to put weight on the paw when he walks around. I would recommend restricting his activity for 24-48 hours and see how he does. If he starts limping again, it is not continuing to improve, then a visit to your veterinarian is in order. They can do a full physical exam, and may recommend X-rays if they are concerned about a broken bone. Do not be tempted to give Maximus any type of over the counter pain medications-human medications can often be harmful to our pets.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Rocco! Yes it could just be sore soft tissue. I’d rest him for 1-2 days and see if there is improvement. But if there is no improvement he should see your Vet. He is young and if there is a fracture we want to know that sooner than later. He could have a fractured toe, a fractured bone in his wrist or a fracture a long the growth plate. I wish Rocco a speedy recovery!

Puppies are stronger than you think and they are a lot like babies, traumatic events such as this scare them more than actually hurt them. If he is walking on it then it is unlikely broken. It may be a little sore though so you may want to not let him run and jump too much for the next day or so. As far as his mood goes, he may be tired for the activity and the stress from the event. Puppies play and sleep hard so it is not uncommon that he needs a break or nap afterwards. If he is not normal by morning then I would be concerned and have him checked by your 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.

This could be a small puncture wound or abrasion your dog got outside. If he is not licking it or limping on it, just keep it clean and dry and it should heal on its own within a few days. If however it seems to be bothering your dog or persists for more than about 3 days you should probably have it checked out. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

If it just started you can let Augie rest for a few days with minimal walking and minimal physical exercise, if it does not improve within 3-4 days you will have to take him to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, he might need pain killers for a few days. if the vet think it's something more serious such as a fracture, joint injury or foreign body, he might recommend to have an xray done as well.