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My dog's nail split and she's limping. Is it a quick injury? What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 4 months old | 61 lbs

my dog has split her nail and it looks like its attached to a nerve and it's causing her to limp or walk on 3 legs. i have attached 3 photos of her nail down below. what should i do?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 11th, 2019

Hello. The nail has indeed split & what you are seeing is the fleshy quick of the nail. My remedy is to snip off the hanging part of the nail & bandage the foot for a few days to protect the sensitive quick until it begins to heal. Your veterinarian can do this quickly & efficiently & Tiny will feeling much better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 10th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Harley! He needs to have the broken nail trimmed back. Every time he puts pressure on the toe it hits the exposed nerve. I would try to fine someone with dog nail clippers to cut the nail back. You can see if a groomer can do it. If your Vet is closed you may have to take him to an Emergency hospital to have them cut it. It needs to be cut all the way back to where the break ends and the entire width (top to bottom). The nail will bleed and need to be bandaged if it can't be stopped with Kwik stop. You can try putting a sock on it or bandaging the foot until monday. I hope this helps and I wish Harley the best!

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