Did your dog break a nail? Here's what you can do

We know it's stressful when your dog has chipped or split a nail. But don't fret: you can help them.

Here, we discuss what to do if your dog's chipped a nail, signs that it's broken and when to see a vet.

Summary: when is a dog’s nail broken, and when should I get help?

Signs your dog’s nail is broken

• A nail with a visible crack, split or jagged edge.

• Bleeding.

• Limping or lameness from your dog.

• Missing nail.

• Swelling, redness or discharge from the paw.

• The nail is at an odd angle.

• Your pet keeps licking at the affected paw.

When to see a vet

We always recommend seeing a vet for a broken nail. But signs it's an emergency include:

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop.

• Break at the base.

• Severe signs of pain like limping or constant licking.

• Signs of infection.

Please see a vet if you’re concerned - a broken nail can escalate into deeper problems.

How do dogs break their nails?

Dogs break their nails for all sorts of reasons, but most commonly, it’s due to:

• Brittle nails, which can happen due to age or nutritional deficiencies.

• Nails that are too long (they’re more prone to breaking).

• Physical activity, like running, jumping and stopping suddenly, especially on concrete and hard flooring.

• Snagging on carpets, fences and upholstery.

• Underlying health issues like an autoimmune disease or cancer of the nail bed (uncommon)

How to tell if your dog's broken a nail

First, let's play detective. Is your dog limping, licking their paw, or showing signs of pain? Check those nails. A broken or split nail might not be obvious at a glance, so inspect closely.

Look for:

• A crack up the side of a nail.

• Bleeding or discharge.

• Swelling around the nail.

• Uneven or jagged nails.

How to help your dog with a broken or split nail

Have you discovered a broken or split nail? Here are a few steps you can take to help:

• Keep calm: Your dog can sense your anxiety, and it could make it a lot harder to treat them. I know it's hard if there's lots of blood, but being cool and confident is key.

• Call your vet: This is 100% the best thing you can do. Get your vet on the line, and they can advise you on the next steps.

• Muzzle up: A muzzle or a cone (or alternative) can help keep your dog from biting or bothering the nail while you figure out next steps with your vet.

Step-by-step: broken dog nail first aid

Some dogs find a broken nail very painful, so they may resent you touching it. If it is safe for you to handle your dog’s paw without getting bitten, you could try and do the following:

• Clean it: Gently wash the area with warm water.

• Stop the bleeding: If there's bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Styptic powder or cornflour can be a true lifesaver here.

• Trim carefully: If there's a loose piece of nail and you're comfortable, carefully trim it using dog nail clippers. If not, your vet can do this.

• Disinfect: Apply a pet-safe antiseptic.

• Bandage, if needed: A light bandage can protect the nail, but don’t wrap it too tight. Your vet will apply a proper dressing after examining your pet, if needed.

• Limit activity: Keep your dog calm and avoid strenuous exercise.

• Keep an eye on it: Watch for signs of infection, like increased redness, swelling, or discharge.

Even once your dog's poor paw is wrapped and seemingly under control, it's probably still a good idea to head to the vet for a check over.

They can help make sure there isn't an underlying condition or something else, like a serious infection, taking root. They may even prescribe antibiotics.

When is it an emergency?

A broken nail is an emergency if there’s:

• A break at the base of the nail or in the nail bed.

• A lot of bleeding - for example, if it bleeds continuously for 10-15 minutes.

• Exposed flesh.

• Signs of infection, like swelling around the nail bed, pus, or a foul odour.

• Signs of severe pain, especially if your dog is howling, limping, or licking excessively.

A vet must see your dog’s paw if there’s a serious nail break, as they can cause pain and may even lead to severe infection, with damage to the bone.

Can a broken or split nail heal on its own?

When your dog suffers from a broken or split nail, you might wonder if it's a wait-and-see situation.

If the break is minor, superficial, and not bleeding, your dog’s nail might heal over time with just some basic home care.

But remember that dog nails have both a blood supply and nerve endings, so significant damage won’t just resolve itself, and again, serious infections can crop up.

This is especially true if:

• The break is close to the paw.

• There's severe bleeding.

• Your dog is in a lot of pain, or the site seems infected.

• You're not comfortable handling it.

The bottom line? Even for the confident, DIY pet parents out there, a trip to the vet is always the best choice.

Cost for treating a broken or split nail

Treating a broken or split nail in your dog can vary in cost depending on treatment.

For a more basic treatment that includes a clean, trim and dressing you'll be looking at a lot less than more intensive treatments. These can involve sedation, pain medication and antibiotics. And sometimes even minor surgery.

Costs can also vary based on your location and the specific veterinary practice. Urban areas and speciality clinics typically charge more.

Are some breeds more prone to broken nails?

Yes, some breeds are more prone to broken nails due to a mix of genetics or nail shape. Breeds that are prone to nail problems include:

• Chihuahuas & Dachshunds: Their height makes them more likely to snag nails on carpets or low obstacles.

• German Shepherds & Rottweilers: Often prone to autoimmune conditions like Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO).

• Greyhounds & Whippets: High-speed "sprints" put immense pressure on the nail bed.

• Labradors and Spaniels: Bouncy, high-energy breeds often traumatise nails during exercise.

What factors influence nail strength?

• Activity levels: High-energy, active dogs are more likely to put their nails at risk.

• Nail length: Long nails are more likely to twist or become caught during exercise.

• Nutritional deficiencies: A diet that doesn’t have enough biotin, omega-3 fatty acids or zinc will cause nails to become brittle.

• Underlying health conditions: Thyroid problems, cancer and autoimmune diseases can show in weak nails.

How to prevent nail breaks in the future

Regular nail trims can prevent future nail drama. Keep those clippers handy, and aim for a trimming session every month or so, depending on how quickly your dog's nails grow.

Broken nails are no fun, but with a bit of know-how, you can get your pup back on their paws in no time. Stay vigilant and give those paws the TLC they deserve so your pup can prance through life with you for the long haul.

Making sure your pet is on a good-quality, complete diet is important , too, as deficiencies can weaken their nails.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does a broken nail take to heal?

It usually takes a few weeks for a broken nail to heal. But it does depend on how damaged it is.

My dog isn't bleeding, but they won't stop licking. Is it still a break?

Yes. Just because a nail isn’t bleeding, it doesn’t mean it isn’t broken. Constant licking is usually a dog’s reaction to discomfort or pain.

Will the nail grow back?

Yes. It takes around four to six weeks.

What if the nail is sticking out sideways?

This usually means there’s an issue with your dog’s nail base or nail bed, or there is a bit of broken nail still hanging on at an angle. You must see a vet for this.