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My dog's broken nail fell off. Is it healing properly or infected?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 6 months old | 48 lbs

My dog broke his nail about 2 weeks ago. He saw the vet but he did not prescribe antibiotics or pull the nail. He said it was slightly swollen but he believed it was inflamed from biting/licking it. He told me to keep an eye on it for infection. It's been 2 weeks today and the nail has fallen off. It still very slightly inflamed but he is not favoring his paw and does not seem like he is on pain. The nail fell off today. Can you plz tell me if it looks like it is healing ok?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 10th, 2018

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is difficult to tell 100% from the picture, but there doesn't appear to be swelling or discharge from the area. It typically looks like this when the nail falls off. So I'd say it does look like it's healing OK. In my experience, most nails will regrow normally after an injury like this, but it may take quite some time, so just keep a close eye on it. If you do start to see pain, swelling, discharge or Sullivan starts limping, I would recommend taking him back to your vet.

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 1st, 2019

    Hi, from what I can see the nail does not look infected. There is no oozing and no swellings. I think the odd shape is a result of how the nail broke, but if Bowen does not lick it, it should just gradually grow back. Hope this helps, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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