My dog's dew claw nail is torn. How do I treat it and what to expect?

Question

I have a 4 year old kelpie x. Today he lost a jew? dew? or due? claw nail leaving a very painful looking red stub. Can you please advise on immediate treatment and future expectations. Sorry no photos as I have bandaged the paw to stop him licking the sensitive area. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | 4 years and 1 month old | 26 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Max! if you are referring the the "thumb" nail that is the dew claw. If they tear or break that nail, the treatment is to cut it back to the pink vein or quick. If the nail has already been torn off to the pink vein and there isn't any residual nail hanging off then bandaging it for 3-5 days should be enough. Sometimes we do prescribe oral antibiotics and pain medications. The nail will grow back, which is a slow process. If there is still nail hanging on then it should be cut back as that is a constant source of pain. I wish Max the best!

My dog's dew claw nail is torn. How do I treat it and what to expect?

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