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Dog's nail bed cut and swollen from licking. Is a vet visit urgent?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Female | spayed | 2 years and 11 months old | 26 lbs

Hi there. My dog has a cut on a nail bed from licking n chewing an itchy toe. I've been cleaning a few times a day, and spraying with colloidal silver. I need to know if it looks ok or I need to see a vet. Thanks

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on December 2nd, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for the picture! Due to the red fur staining it is evident that Babi is licking the toe. It is also pretty swollen. The first step is to prevent the licking by using an Elizabethan collar (cone) or donut. I do think it would heal faster if you saw a Vet. There is likely a bacterial and or yeast infection of the nail bed. Having oral antibiotics and antifungals and something to stop the desire to lick will speed this process up for you both. I hope this helps and I wish Babi a speedy recovery!

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