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My dog's nail is broken high up, not bleeding. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 2 years and 7 months old | 79 lbs

My dog was outside and came back in with a very broken nail. It looks too high up to cut, but is not bleeding currently. What should I do for this poor guy?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on December 10th, 2019

If it's not bleeding it may not have injured the quick but I can't tell from the photo. The broken part of the nail needs to be removed and of the break is behind the quick, Loki needs to be sedated and clip behind the break (which is painful so they get sedated). Since you are unable to tell how severe the break is, I recommend to have Loki examined first thing tomorrow morning. Here is a helpful link: https://www.petcoach.co/article/bleeding-torn-toe-nails-in-dogs-puppies/ Tonight have Loki wear an elizabethan collar so he does not lick at it. Restrict the activity today and do not allow him to climb up and down on the couch. He should only be outside on a leash. Tomorrow the vet will access how significant the break is and will remove the broken part of the nail. I hope this helps.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 10th, 2019

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Loki. Oh no, poor boy. You are right, this is broken very high up, so I would not cut it yourself. It will be very painful for him, and it would be best to have him sedated to have it done. I would bandage it tonight to protect it, then have Loki seen by a vet in the morning to get this done. Do not feed him breakfast or any food past midnight because he will need to be fasted in order to be sedated safely. I hope this helps!

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