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My dog's nail is torn, bleeding, and he's limping. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 8 months old | 18 lbs

My dog’s nail seems to be torn. He’ll randomly cry out sometimes and limp because he doesn’t want to put pressure on that nail. There’s some blood and the nail seems to be upturned. I wanted to try to cut off the remaining hanging nail but he’ll bite me if I even touch it. What should I do?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 14th, 2019

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Devon. Poor boy! Limping means he is in pain, and the fact that he bites you when you try to touch it means he's really hurt. I would take him into a vet now. The vet can sedate him, and can remove the rest of the nail safely. He will also need pain medications and antibiotics, which the vet can prescribe. I recommend taking him into a vet immediately. I hope this helps!

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