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Dog's dew claw hanging but no pain. How to treat it at home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 3 years and 8 months old | 75 lbs

My dogs dew claw is hanging on at the cuticle. It is raised and I can see the pink part underneath and the back of the nail the dew claw is still attached. He doesn't seem to be limping or showing any pain. How should I treat this at home?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 1st, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ouch! You will need to pull the black nail that is lifted off the cuticle. If you don't that will be a chronic source of pain and infection. Be very careful doing this as it is painful and Ryder may bite. Have someone help you. Pull hard and fast. It may bleed. If you can't remove it make an appointment with your Vet. Good luck!

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    Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 25th, 2019

    I'm assuming it's the nail and not the entire digit that you're seeing hanging. If it's not bleeding, I would leave it until the morning and call first thing when the vet opens to see if you could swing by. Sometimes a firm tug will pull off the nail, but sometimes sedation is required or significant (not dangerous but very mess) bleeding occurs, which is why I wouldn't try that at home. On the other hang, if you think it's more than the nail that is hanging or she just won't leave it alone so she/you can sleep, going to an emergency clinic tonight would be best.

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