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My dog broke a nail and it's bleeding. What can I do before the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 7 months old | 6 lbs

My Yorkie just broke a nail and it’s hanging. She isn’t limping and is running around but it’s bleeding. Her vet is closed and I won’t be able to take her till the morning. What should I do?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on January 28th, 2018

If you have a small baby sock you can tape it on (just not tightly). The keep her confined to a small area so she isn’t running around and making it bleed. Hopefully this will hold you until tomorrow morning. However if she seems really painful or the bleeding doesn’t stop then I would encourage you to have her evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    In this situation the nail will actually need to be removed to relieve the pain. Often times this requires sedation in order to be trimmed back and a bandage placed in order to stop the bleeding. There are emergency clinics in your area that are open now for situations like this you can go to. Other wise, try to keep her confined from hitting it more and you can apply pressure to help with the bleeding. She will lick it through the night to try to keep it clean, so don't worry if you notice that.

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