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My dog keeps licking his paw. Is his nail split or broken? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 2 years and 6 months old | 51 lbs

My dog keeps licking his left front nail. It seems split and maybe broken?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 23rd, 2018

It may be split deeply and hurt a bit or otherwise bother your dog. This is why Walt is licking it There also may be a nailbed infection. I suggest you take Walt to your veterinarian for an exam. Your vet can check the nail for a fracture, infection or injury and help so that it does not bother your dog so much or hurt. It may need to be clipped or removed to aid healing. If you have an e-collar at home, put it on Walt so he cannot lick more bacteria into it. Please schedule an exam with your vet.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on April 4th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What needs to be done exactly depends on how it looks exactly. If it is just split but still present whole, you can try to cut it as you normally would. However if you can see flesh or you do not feel comfortable cutting it, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good one!

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