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My dog has a torn nail. How can I treat it at home without a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 60 lbs

My dog Izzy was running through my house yesterday and i didn't see anything at that time but tonight i had seen this what do i need to do i donr have very much money right now until the 3rd so please can you help me ???

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 18th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This appears to be a simple torn nail. Even though this looks really scary, it’s not usually a big deal. Gently clean the area with diluted iodine or plain warm water. If you have nail clippers, clip that nail as short as you feel comfortable doing. If the nail is dangling, sometimes it will come right off, leaving that red inner hub. If there is bleeding, just apply pressure with a clean cloth until it stops. If Izzy is licking it, put her in an E-collar 24 hours a day for about 3 days. And that’s it. As long as you keep it clean, most simple torn nails will grow in on their own within a month. If anything looks odd, it’s not healing, it’s smelly, or anything concerns you, it’s time to see the vet. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Izzy!

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    Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 8th, 2021

    Hi there, Oh no! Poor Archie. It does appear the nail itself is torn. You don't need to take him to the emergency vet, but I would get him seen by his regular veterinarian early this week to have the nail cut so it does not continue to hang and cause pain. He may need to be sedated for this, as it looks like it is broken above the blood vessel. Sometimes antibiotics and pain medications are warranted in these cases as well. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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