My dog's front nail split. Can I treat a split dog nail at home?

Question

MY dogs front nail split right in the middle. We thought it was a nail growing under another nail. But it definitely split in half. Is there any way we can treat it at home without taking him to the vet ? Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 75 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

Sorry this happened to Thor! Honestly, the vet would pull off that top piece of nail (the white part) with a hemostat instrument. This is very painful and the nail may bleed a lot after that. So, if that part of the nail is very loose you may be able to pull it off - be aware that he may try to bite. It is very painful.... If it bleeds you can put some corn starch or flour on it and then bandage it. You can look at some YouTube videos on how to properly bandage the foot. Keep it bandaged for few days. If he is trying to eat the bandage or lick the nail you will need to get an E-collar (cone) to put on him until it's healed. It won't heal if he keeps licking it. Of course if he is limping, not eating, the nail won't stop bleeding, etc you will need to get Thor to the vet sooner. Hope this helps.

My dog's front nail split. Can I treat a split dog nail at home?

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