Torn nails in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatment in Dubai

What do we mean by “torn nails”?

Dogs normally have:

• 5 nails on the front paws (including the dew claw)
• 4 or 5 nails on the back paws

The dew claw sits slightly higher up on the leg and doesn’t wear down naturally when dogs walk. Because of this, it’s commonly torn or damaged.

Each dog nail has two main parts:

• The outer layer: made of tough keratin, similar to human fingernails
• The quick: the sensitive inner core containing blood vessels and nerves

When the nail breaks or tears into the quick, it’s painful and may bleed.

Common causes of torn nails

• Getting caught on carpet, furniture, or outdoor surfaces
• An awkward landing after a jump
• Clipped too short during trimming
• Brittle nails in older dogs
• Nails that are overgrown due to a lack of regular wear

Symptoms of torn nails

Signs can range from mild to severe, depending on the depth of the damage:

• Limping or refusing to put weight on the paw
• Holding up the paw or licking it excessively
• Whining or vocalising when the paw is touched
• Bleeding or blood stains on the floor or bedding
• Swelling or redness around the nailbed
• A cracked, bent, or visibly loose nail

Dogs at a higher risk of torn nails

• Older dogs: The nails become more brittle and liable to break with age
• Less active dogs: Nails grow longer as they’re not wearing down enough naturally
• Dogs with dew claws: Dew claws grow faster and don’t make contact with the ground
• Dogs that run on artificial grass, tiles, or sand: These surfaces may not wear nails evenly, leading to overgrowth and/or breakage

Diagnosing torn nails

In most cases, your vet can diagnose a torn nail during a simple physical examination. Tests are rarely required, unless several nails are affected and an underlying condition is suspected.

Further tests:

• Nailbed biopsy: sending a sample to the laboratory for analysis
• Blood and urine tests: checking general health
• Imaging: X-rays, where deeper injury or bone involvement is suspected

Veterinary treatment for torn nails

Treatment depends on how much of the nail is damaged and whether infection is present.

Your vet may:

• Clean the area thoroughly and stop any bleeding
• Remove the damaged part of the nail: Under sedation if the split involves sensitive tissue
• Bandage the paw to protect the wound
• Prescribe pain relief medication: non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
• Provide antibiotics if infection is present

Most torn nails that are treated promptly heal within a couple of weeks.

Home care for dogs with torn nails

If you notice your dog has a torn nail:

• Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding: it should take less than 5 minutes
• Use cornstarch or flour to seal the wound if bleeding continues
• Rinse the paw to remove surface dirt and contamination: add 1 teaspoon of salt to 500mls of boiled and cooled water
• Prevent licking with a buster (cone) collar or protective boot
• Keep your dog rested until the nail bed starts to heal
• Keep an eye out for swelling, pus, or ongoing pain

If the nail is still attached and doesn’t fall off within 24–48 hours, or if your dog seems in significant pain, book a vet appointment without further delay.

How to prevent torn nails

• Check your dog’s nails every week and trim if necessary, especially dew claws.
• Nail trimming: ask your vet to show you the correct method, or book regular nail trimming at the clinic.
• Keep your dog active. Walking on mixed surfaces (pavement, sand, grass) helps keep nails at a natural length, so they are less likely to catch.
• Ensure your dog is on a balanced diet; omega oils can support healthy nail growth.
• Weight management: overweight dogs put extra strain on their paws, which also increases the risk of nail damage.

When to worry

Seek urgent veterinary help if:

• The nail is still bleeding after 5 minutes
• Your dog is in obvious pain and refuses to walk
• You notice swelling, pus, or a foul smell

Contact your vet for advice if:

• The nail has fallen off cleanly, but you’re unsure about infection risk and what to do next
• You want guidance on nail trimming or preventing torn nails
• Your dog regularly suffers from torn or brittle nails

Are people or other pets at risk?

Torn nails are not contagious. However, if infection develops and there’s pus or discharge, basic hygiene (washing hands after touching the paw) is always important.

Worried your dog has a torn nail? Book a check-up or same-day appointment at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Their skilled veterinary team can safely treat damaged nails, relieve your dog’s pain, and prevent infection. From urgent care to routine nail maintenance, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted clinic in Dubai for professional, compassionate pet care.