Infected Canine Nail Beds

Many dogs will be exposed to nail-bed infection over the course of their lives. Some infections clear up on their own, some require prescription treatments, and --- in extreme cases --- sometimes amputation is necessary. No matter how severe the infection, it's important to get a professional diagnosis as soon as you can. Proper treatment will relieve your dog's discomfort and prevent the infection from worsening or spreading.

  1. Causes

    • Infection of the canine nail bed can be caused by injury or illness. Broken or traumatized nails are an easy target for bacteria and fungi like ringworm. In some cases, however, the infection is caused by a compromised immune system due to disease, in which case the problem is more serious.

    Symptoms

    • If your dog's nails are cracked, red, pus-filled or smelly, it's likely he has an infection of the nail bed. In very bad cases, the nail will appear to disintegrate or swell. Nail-bed infections are quite uncomfortable, so you may observe your dog licking his paws or even limping before you notice an infection.

    Treatment

    • If the infection is bacterial or fungal, your vet will recommend a course of antibiotics. In rare cases, the nail or even the paw may need to be removed. If your vet does not prescribe treatment, you can care for your dog's nails at home by scrubbing with a soft brush, mild soap and warm water. Dry the nails completely before applying prescription creams.

    Prevention

    • Since short claws are less likely to harbor infection, the best way to prevent nail-bed infection is to keep your dog's nails trimmed close to the quick. Ideally, long walks and vigorous exercise will keep claws short enough, but it most cases, it's necessary to trim claws every few weeks. You can do this at home or have it done by a groomer.