How to Repair a Dog's Split Toenail

Dogs have toenails that grow just as people do, and in the course of running around in the yard or in the house, their toenails may become split or torn. Though some torn or split toenails need veterinary treatment, most toenail injuries can be handled in the home. If you notice that your dog is limping or bleeding from one of its feet, check for this common issue and decide what course of action you are going to take.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowl
  • Flour
  • Pet nail trimmers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the dog's toenail and judge the length of the split. If the split ends close to the tip of the dog's nail, you can easily handle it at home. If the split goes up to the quick of the dog's nail, where there is living tissue and blood, it needs to be taken care of by a veterinarian. The deeper the split, the more likely it is that you have to take the dog to the veterinarian.

    • 2

      Pour 1/2 inch of flour into a bowl if the dog's nail is bleeding. Dip the dog's split toenail into the flour to stop any bleeding. Wait for a few minutes for the bleeding to stop entirely.

    • 3

      Use pet nail trimmers to trim the dog's toenail above the split. Work quickly but carefully so that you do not further aggravate the nail. Be prepared for your dog to yelp or struggle.

    • 4

      Wash the dog's paw thoroughly in warm water. This removes any debris that might have been lodged in the split or in the dog's paw.

    • 5

      Watch the dog over the next several days to see if the dog is suffering from any further injuries or any infection that resulted from the split nail.