My dog's ingrown toenail is splintering and she keeps licking it.

Question

My dog has a toenail that goes into her paw. The nail looks long and I think it is splintering. Please help, she keeps licking it. Thank you! Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Ouch, poor pup! The nail will have to be cut, but if it's growing into her paw, it may be too painful for you to cut it. Sometimes dogs who have painful nails will not let their owners cut them, and they will have to be sedated by the vet in order to get it done. You can try to cut the nail yourself, and if you are successful, you will need to clean her pad afterwards with an antiseptic soap and warm water. The next day, you can do an epsom salt and warm bath soak with her paw twice a day, and do that for a couple of days. Keep an eye on the area, and if you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, the area is infected and she will need to see a vet for antibiotics. If Bellas doesn't let you cut the nail, I would take her into the vet first thing during normal business hours today or tomorrow so that your vet can cut it for you and clean the area. Don't feed her the night before in case they need to sedate her to get her nail cut.

My dog's ingrown toenail is splintering and she keeps licking it.

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