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Dog ripped nail with quick exposed. Can I care for it at home or vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 3 years and 4 months old | 85 lbs

My dog ripped her nail, and the quick is exposed. I was able to get most of the broken pieces off and she seemed to be in less pain after I removed it. There was no bleeding, and I rinsed with warm water and hydrogen peroxide. I made a temporary cover for the paw with a sock and some vet wrap to try and keep it clean until morning. Is this something I can care for at home, or should I drop into the vet tomorrow for antibiotics and a thorough exam?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 24th, 2019

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and for posting pictures. Poor Sloane, that looks like it hurt! Torn toenails is not uncommon in dogs. Not every torn toenail will bleed, but you did a great job caring for it at home. Keeping it clean is very important but you can only use peroxide once. From now on, you can use a mild soap to clean it if needed. Only continue to cover the area for 24 hours total. Any longer could delay healing and sometimes bandages can injure healthy tissue. I do recommend taking Sloane to a vet for pain medications. There is nothing safe over the counter that you can give pets for pain. This is not a weight bearing toe so she may not be in pain but anytime she catches the nail on something it’s going to cause some discomfort. They may also prescribe antibiotics however, keeping it clean and keeping Sloane from licking it will do the trick. The nail will grow back on its own, it will just take some time. Keep an eye on it and cut the sharp edges so it catches less. Good luck and kisses to Sloane!

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 21st, 2017

    Oh no, poor Khloe! She's adorable! I'm sorry to hear that she is so uncomfortable. Unfortunately, there are no safe over the counter pain medications that can be given to dogs. You can try applying a cool compress to the nail bed if she will tolerate it to decrease any existing inflammation/irritation. Also be sure to keep an e-collar (cone) in place to prevent her from damaging the nail bed further, as this could introduce infection. If you do not have a collar at home, this link provides some tips for making one at home: http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html. If Khloe can't seem to settle down and get comfortable, you may need to make a trip to an emergency vet tonight to start her on pain medication. I hope that she is feeling better soon!

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