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My elderly dog has painful ingrown nails. Can I sedate her at home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed

A elderly dog that I have taken in has extremely long and deformed toenails. One nail on the back left leg has grown under and into the paw causing her pain. I am an elderly woman with very little income and can't afford a vet. Is there any medication that I could give her to put her to sleep so I can cut all the deformed nails and get the one ingrown in her paw out? She won't let me mess with her feet. Please help her...she's so sweet. Patricia Grim, Ladyjaguar42 yahoo.com

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 21st, 2016

Hi Patricia! I'm sorry to hear about your situation - it's kind of you to try and help this dog, and I understand having financial constraints. Unfortunately, it sounds like you really are going to need a vet to help you with this. There are no over-the-counter medications you can give that will be safe and effective for sedating her for something like this - in most cases, injectable sedation is required and the dog must be monitored carefully while she is sedated in case of problems. If the nail has grown into the paw pad, she will also need antibiotics and pain medication for this. You may be able to find a low-cost SPCA clinic that could help, or you could try calling local vet clinics in your area to see if they take payments. Another option would be to apply for Care Credit, which is a payment plan accepted by most veterinarians: www.carecredit.com.

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