Can Dogs Get Ingrown Toenails? Signs, Home Care and When to See a Vet

Your dog is licking one toe, limping a little, or yelps when you touch a paw, and when you part the fur you find a nail curling back toward the pad. It looks painful, and it usually is.

Yes, dogs can get ingrown toenails. A dog ingrown nail happens when a nail grows so long that it curls around and presses into, or pierces, the toe pad or the skin beside it. Dewclaws are the most common culprits because they never touch the ground. If the nail is only touching the pad and the skin is unbroken, trimming the tip can relieve it; if it has broken the skin, the toe is swollen or oozing, or your dog won't let you handle the paw, see your vet.

Below we cover the signs of an ingrown toenail, which dogs are prone to it, what to do at home versus at the vet, how to recognize an infected toenail, four other common nail problems, and how to prevent all of it.

How do dogs get ingrown toenails?

Dogs' nails grow continuously. Walking on hard surfaces wears them down a little, but plenty of dogs don't get enough of that wear. Dog nails also grow in a curve rather than straight, so when a nail is left too long it keeps curving until the tip reaches the pad or the skin next to it. At first it just presses; eventually it can dig in and puncture the skin.

That's slightly different from an ingrown toenail in people, where the side of the nail grows into the skin. In dogs it's almost always an overgrowth problem: the nail has simply been too long for too long. The good news is that this makes it very preventable.

Signs of an ingrown toenail in dogs

An ingrown nail on a dog's paw is easy to miss, especially under long fur. Watch for:

• Licking or chewing at one toe or paw, often the first sign owners notice.
• Limping or favoring a leg, or reluctance to walk, jump or use stairs.
• A nail that visibly curls back toward the pad, or whose tip you can't see because it's buried in the skin.
• Redness and swelling around the nail or on the pad where the tip presses.
• Bleeding, discharge or pus from where the nail has broken the skin.
• A bad smell from the paw, which often means infection.
• Pain when you touch the paw: pulling away, whining, or growling when you try to look.

Check all four paws, not just the one your dog is licking, and always look at the dewclaws. If one nail is ingrown, others are often overdue too.

Which dogs are prone to ingrown toenails?

Any dog can get an ingrown toenail, but some are much more likely to:

• Dogs with dewclaws. The dewclaw, the "thumb" nail on the inside of the leg, never touches the ground, so it never wears down. It's the classic ingrown nail in dogs. Rear dewclaws and double dewclaws, found in breeds like the Great Pyrenees and Briard, are often loosely attached and especially easy to overlook.
• Senior and less active dogs. Older dogs walk less and more slowly, so their nails wear less. Nails can also get thicker and more brittle with age, and arthritis can make nail trims uncomfortable, so they get skipped. Our senior dog health checklist includes paw and nail checks for this reason.
• Small dogs and lap dogs. Dogs that are carried a lot, or walk mostly on carpet and grass, get little natural wear.
• Long-coated breeds. Fur hides the nails, so an overgrown one can go unnoticed for months.
• Dogs that hate nail trims. If every trim is a battle, it's easy to let them slide. That's how many ingrown nails start.
• Dogs recovering from illness or surgery, or on crate rest, which walk much less than normal for a while.

What to do about a dog ingrown nail

What you can do depends on how far the nail has gone. If you're not sure which group your dog falls into, treat it as a vet case.

Mild case: home care

Home care is reasonable only if all of these apply: the nail is long and curling but is only touching or lightly pressing on the pad, the skin isn't broken, there's no swelling, pus or smell, and your dog lets you handle the paw calmly.

1. Trim the tip. Using sharp dog nail clippers, take off the part of the nail that's curling toward the pad, a small amount at a time. The aim is to relieve the pressure, not to get the nail perfectly short in one go. Have styptic powder on hand in case you nick the quick. If you're not confident, a groomer or vet nurse can do this quickly.
2. Clean the area. Gently rinse the pad with clean lukewarm water or saline and pat it dry. Ask your vet before using an antiseptic, as some human products sting or aren't suitable for dogs.
3. Stop the licking. Licking keeps the spot wet and adds bacteria. A clean sock, a dog bootie for walks or a cone can help for a few days.
4. Keep it clean and dry, and watch it closely for the next few days.

Never give your dog human painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (acetaminophen). They can be toxic to dogs. If your dog seems sore, that's a reason to call the vet.

If the spot gets redder, more swollen, starts to ooze or smell, or your dog is still limping after a couple of days, go to the vet.

When to see a vet

Take your dog to the vet if:

• the nail has pierced the skin or is embedded in the pad,
• there's swelling, pus, bleeding or a bad smell (signs of infection),
• your dog is limping or in obvious pain, or won't let you touch the paw,
• you can't see where the nail ends, or you can't trim it without hitting the quick,
• the toe is swollen but you can't find a nail problem.

Don't try to pull an embedded nail out yourself. It hurts, can tear the pad and let infection in, and even gentle dogs may bite when they're in pain.

What the vet will do

The vet will usually trim the nail and carefully free the tip from the pad, which may need sedation or local anesthetic if your dog is sore. They'll clean the wound and, depending on what they find, may prescribe antibiotics, pain relief and a cone, and ask you to keep the paw clean and dry or bandaged for a while. Most uncomplicated ingrown nails heal well once the pressure is gone. Your vet will also tell you how short to keep the nail afterward, since a quick that has grown long with the nail needs gradual trimming to recede.

Dog infected toenail: signs and treatment

An ingrown nail that breaks the skin is one of the common ways a dog ends up with an infected toenail, but it's not the only one. Infection of the nail fold and nail bed (vets call it paronychia) can also follow a torn or broken nail, a cut, a foreign body like a grass seed, or come from an underlying problem such as allergies.

Signs of an infected toenail on a dog:

• a swollen, red or hot toe, especially around the base of the nail,
• pus or discharge around the nail, sometimes with crusting,
• a bad or yeasty smell from the paw,
• a nail that is discolored, looks deformed, or feels loose,
• constant licking and chewing, and limping.

What to do: an infected toenail needs a vet. Your vet may clean the area, take a sample to find out whether bacteria or yeast are responsible, and prescribe antibiotics or antifungals, often for several weeks because nail beds heal slowly. In some cases the damaged nail is removed so the bed can heal. Until you're seen, keep the paw clean and dry and stop your dog licking it, but don't wait it out: an untreated toe infection can spread deeper into the toe.

If several toes or paws are affected at once, or infections keep coming back, your vet will look for an underlying cause, such as allergies, a hormonal problem or an autoimmune nail disease. And a single swollen toe that doesn't get better with treatment should be rechecked, because a few other conditions, including some toe tumors, can look like an infection at first.

4 other common dog nail problems

Aside from ingrown toenails, there are a few other common problems that can affect your dog's nails.

1Nail Trauma

If your dog's nails are hit too hard or catch on something, the nail can break or tear. This is extremely painful for your dog and can lead to infection. Excessive licking of the nail can be a sign that your dog is in pain. Another sign your dog has nail trauma is if they are suddenly limping or refusing to put weight on the affected leg.

If you think your dog has nail trauma, take them to the vet. The vet will be able to clean and bandage the wound properly to prevent infection. They may also prescribe antibiotics if necessary.

2Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal nail infections are relatively uncommon in dogs but can occur, particularly if your dog's paws are often damp. Signs include discolored, brittle or deformed nails and inflamed skin around the nail.

If you notice this, discuss it with your vet. Fungal infections usually need a diagnosis and prescription treatment to clear up.

3Bacterial Nail Infections

Bacterial nail infections often follow an injury, such as a torn nail or an ingrown nail that broke the skin, or happen when paws are constantly dirty or wet. The most common symptoms are redness and swelling around the nail bed, often with pus, discoloration or a bad smell (see the infected toenail section above).

Your vet can determine if your dog has a bacterial infection and prescribe the appropriate medication.

4Lupoid Onychodystrophy

Lupoid onychodystrophy is a condition that causes a dog's nails to become brittle, split, deformed and sometimes slough off entirely, often on several paws. It is thought to be an immune-mediated disorder.

If you notice these symptoms in your dog, take them to the vet. There is no cure for lupoid onychodystrophy, but many dogs do well with long-term treatment such as fatty acid supplements and medications your vet prescribes, and the nails often grow back in better shape.

How to prevent ingrown toenails in dogs

The best way to prevent ingrown nails is to keep them short with regular trims. Many dogs need a trim every three to four weeks, but it varies; a good rule of thumb is that if you can hear your dog's nails clicking on the floor, they're due. (Clicking nails are also the most common cause of noisy dog nails on the floor.)

• Never skip the dewclaws. Check and trim them every time, including rear and double dewclaws.
• Check paws weekly. Part the fur on long-coated dogs and look at every nail, especially in senior dogs.
• Trim little and often. Short, frequent trims are easier on your dog and keep the quick from growing long.
• Consider filing. A nail file or grinder lets you shorten nails gradually and smooth sharp edges, which many nervous dogs tolerate better than clippers. See how to file your dog's nails instead of clipping and our picks for the best nail files for dogs.
• Walk on varied surfaces. Regular walks on pavement or paths help wear nails naturally, though they rarely replace trimming entirely, and never reach the dewclaws.
• Make trims pleasant. Treats, short sessions and a calm routine make it far more likely the trims actually happen. If your dog resists, our step-by-step guide on how to trim a dog's nails that hates it may help.

If you're not comfortable trimming your dog's nails yourself, a groomer or your vet clinic can do it, often in a few minutes. Worried about hurting your dog? Here's whether cutting a dog's nails hurts them.

Additional tips for nail trimming

• If you're using nail clippers, only cut off a small amount at a time.
• Be careful not to cut the quick (the pink part of the nail). If you do, it will bleed and be painful for your dog. We review the styptic powders for dogs that groomers keep on hand for these moments.
• If your dog has black nails, it may be difficult to see the quick. In this case, it's best to be careful and only trim a small amount off at a time.
• When you're using a rotary tool, start slowly and gradually increase the speed as you get comfortable with it.
• Make sure your dog is comfortable and relaxed during the nail trimming process. If they're anxious, it will be more difficult to trim their nails properly.
• Give your dog a treat after trimming their nails to help them associate the experience with something positive.

FAQ

How do I know if my dog has an ingrown toenail?

Look for a nail that curls back toward the pad or disappears into the skin, often with licking, limping, redness or swelling at that toe. Check the dewclaws first, as they're the most common site. Gently part the fur on long-coated dogs so you can see the nail tip.

Can I treat my dog's ingrown toenail at home?

Only if it's mild: the nail is touching the pad but hasn't broken the skin, there's no swelling or discharge, and your dog lets you handle the paw. Then you can trim the tip to relieve pressure and keep the area clean. If the nail has pierced the skin, or there's pus, swelling, a smell or obvious pain, see your vet.

Is a dog ingrown nail an emergency?

It's usually not an emergency, but it shouldn't wait long either. Book a vet visit within a day or two if the nail has broken the skin or the toe looks infected. Go sooner if there's heavy bleeding, rapidly increasing swelling, or your dog won't put any weight on the leg.

How do I know if my dog's toenail is infected?

An infected toenail usually causes a red, swollen, warm toe, pus or discharge around the nail, a bad smell, and constant licking. The nail may look discolored or feel loose. These signs need a vet, who can prescribe the right antibiotic or antifungal.

Why does my dog have a swollen toe around the nail?

Common causes are an ingrown or broken nail, a nail bed infection, a cut or a foreign body such as a grass seed. Allergies and some less common conditions can also cause it. If the swelling doesn't settle within a day or two, or there's pus or limping, have your vet check it.

How long does a dog's ingrown toenail take to heal?

Once the nail has been trimmed and freed from the pad, a minor wound often settles within a week or two. Infected toes can take longer, and nail bed infections sometimes need several weeks of treatment. Follow your vet's advice and keep the nails short afterward so it doesn't happen again.

Final thoughts

Dogs can definitely get ingrown toenails, and dewclaws, senior dogs and dogs that dodge nail trims are most at risk. A mild case where the nail is only touching the pad can be fixed by trimming the tip and keeping the area clean. Once the nail has broken the skin, or the toe is swollen, smelly or oozing, it needs a vet.

The best treatment is prevention: check your dog's paws regularly, never forget the dewclaws, and keep the nails short with clipping or filing every few weeks.