Dog's whole nail is gone.......?

Question

I have no idea how, but one of the nails on my small dog's front paw came off, leaving this small pink nub of flesh. The whole nail came off! I am just wondering if a new nail will grow? Should I take her to the vet? I have already disinfected it and wrapped it so it stays clean....

Forgot to say: it's tender but she is walking on it, and there is no blood.

Answer 1

Many dogs lose there nails, just like us.. Alot of people don't even know there dog lost there nail, till you reailze it.. It will grow back, just like our nails, But if it worries you call the Vet and she will tell you what to do in that situation!!!

Answer 2

I've had this happen, two of my dogs have lost a nail and I've lost a toenail and a fingernail (dropped a brick on the toe and smashed the finger in a car door). As long as it's clean your dog should be fine and the nail almost always grows back.

Speaking from personal experience, once the nail is off there is very little pain. By tomorrow she probably won't feel anything. The pain I had was from the remnants of the smashed nail every time it got jogged before it finally came off.

Answer 3

So long as she is not in pain or bleeding, don't worry. Keep on eye on it for several days, the wound could close up and cause an abscess and then you will be visiting the vet. If she starts limping or the digit swells, in she goes! Try to keep her from licking at it as this can really irritate the area- as much as dogs believe that dog spit cures all, it doesn't. The nail might or might not grow back- not a lot you can do about it either way. Same thing happened to one of my cats and it never did grow.

Answer 4

I agree. A new nail will grow and the dog will be fine.

Keep an eye on it as much as possible to make sure there is no infection or sores. If you can, invest in a doggy-booty (you can even buy socks for a newborn). You'll want your baby to wear these outside so she does not get any dirt in the area.

But relax. Watch for signs of pain and infection but all in all, the nail will grow back.

Answer 5

When my cocker spaniel was about 6 months old I took him to the vet and had his nails trimmed. The vet told me that one of his nails was gone. It never has grown back and he's just fine. No problems at all with the toe. I did keep it clean while it was healing. If your dog seams to be in pain, I'd call the vet and see what you can do to relieve the pain.

Answer 6

She should be put on oral antibiotics to help prevent infection. That is a spot that will easily get infected, and when/if it does it's a big mess! Way easier to just prevent it from happening. The dogs nail should grow back.

Answer 7

It should be OK... I bet she is licking it alot and when you go to look at the wound - she looks back at you with droopy puppy eyes..The dog is thinking - OH GOD, what is she going to do now.... hahahha... I know... I wouldn't keep it wrapped because the air needs to get at it in order for it to scab over.. Also, don't be to liberal with the disinfectant stuff. The dog will lick it and keep it clean. Dogs know what to do... Just keep an eye on it - if it gets worse...

Answer 8

if you already disinfected it and it doesnt seem to be bothering her then i think she should be fine, however you should call your vet just to make sure. if there is still any nail left there then it should grow back. if there is no hard nail left at all, then it probably wont grow back.

Answer 9

a new nail will grow and it will be fine

Answer 10

take her to the vet! is she in pain? blood? anthing else going on?