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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

2 Answers

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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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 27th, 2017

    Unfortunately, there are no OTC sedatives you can give Bobby to cut this nail. Sedatives are prescribed only by a vet; in addition, things people may suggest as a sedative (i.e. Benadryl) actually will not sedate him enough to where you can cut the nail without pain. In fact, Benadryl can have the opposite effect and make him more active. Finally, it's not a drug used specifically to sedate animals or humans, so it will not be effective. I can give you some resources, however, that may help you afford a vet. You God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. I hope one of these resources helps you afford a vet for Bobby!

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Unfortunately, there are no OTC sedatives you can give Bobby to cut this nail. Sedatives are prescribed only by a vet; in addition, things people may suggest as a sedative (i.e. Benadryl) actually will not sedate him enough to where you can cut the nail without pain. In fact, Benadryl can have the opposite effect and make him more active. Finally, it's not a drug used specifically to sedate animals or humans, so it will not be effective. I can give you some resources, however, that may help you afford a vet. You God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.hum
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