Toe injuries are common in dogs, especially active breeds. Toe injuries range from mild to severe but usually don't impede a dog's ability to walk in the long term. Always take your dog to the vet for any suspected toe injuries, especially if she is favoring her paw, licking one foot or toe excessively or is having difficulty walking.
-
Types
-
Toe injuries range from torn toenails to broken toes. Dogs also can rupture the tendons (sprain) or ligaments (dislocation) in their toes. The most common type of injury is a cut on the pad of the paw or a torn toenail. Dogs are especially vulnerable to tearing their dewclaws. Once your dog has torn a dewclaw, it will probably grow back weaker and more likely to tear in the same spot.
Diagnosis
-
If your dog is having trouble walking or is favoring a paw, he needs a vet exam. Your vet will perform a physical exam to check for defects, cuts and tears. If there is no obvious external injury, he might order an x-ray to determine if the toe is sprained, dislocated or broken.
Treatment
-
If your dog has a laceration on her toe, she might need stitches and/or an antibiotic. For torn toenails, your vet will need to control the bleeding and probably will administer a drug to effect quick clotting. If your dog has a foreign object lodged in or between her toes, the vet will remove it. Depending on how deeply it is embedded and what it is, he might use a local anesthetic before removal. If your dog has a deep cut, burn or other injury requiring protection, your vet might send her home in a special dog "boot" to minimize contact to the area until it heals.
Broken Toes
-
If your dog has a broken toe, it may need to be set and splinted. Simple breaks and fractures might not be treated at all and will be allowed to heal on their own. More complex breaks, or breaks in multiple toes, will likely require a cast and as much immobilization as possible. Your dog's broken toe usually will heal within four to six weeks.
Prevention/Solution
-
The best treatment for dog toe injuries is preventing them before they happen. Keep his toenails and dewclaws trimmed short to minimize the risk of torn toenails. Watch where he is walking, especially if an unfamiliar location. You can steer him away from sharp rocks, broken glass and other items that could tear his pads and toes. Consider buying dog shoes to protect him from temperature extremes.
-