Ingrown Nails in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention

Name: Ingrown Nails in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention
Creator: Dr. Zubair Khalid

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-10-03

An ingrown nail in dogs happens when a nail curves back into the paw pad or skin instead of growing outward. It causes pain, swelling, and sometimes infection, and many owners do not spot it until the paw is already sore. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

Quick Answer

An ingrown nail is a nail that grows into the paw pad or surrounding skin, usually because it was not trimmed often enough.
Common signs include limping, licking one paw, swelling, redness, and a bad smell from the paw.
Do not try to cut out a deeply embedded nail at home. A veterinarian can numb the paw and remove it safely.
Most dogs need a vet visit for removal, wound cleaning, and sometimes antibiotics or pain medication.
Regular nail trims every few weeks are the best way to prevent ingrown nails from coming back.

What Is an Ingrown Nail in Dogs?

An ingrown nail is exactly what it sounds like. The nail curves downward or sideways and presses into the skin or the paw pad instead of growing forward. Over time, the tip can pierce the skin and create a small wound.

Dogs have nails on all four paws, and most also have dewclaws on the inner side of the front legs. Some dogs have rear dewclaws too. Any of these nails can become ingrown, but the dewclaws and the outer toenails are the most common spots. Dewclaws sit higher on the leg and often get less wear, so they tend to grow longer and curl inward.

The medical term for nail disease in dogs is onychodystrophy, which simply means abnormal nail growth or structure. Ingrown nails are one type of nail problem, and they are different from infections, injuries, or immune-related nail diseases. A dog with an ingrown nail usually has one or two affected nails, not all of them.

Signs of an Ingrown Nail in Dog Paw

Owners often miss the early signs because dogs are good at hiding discomfort. The first clue is usually a change in how your dog walks or uses one paw.

Watch for these signs:

Limping or favoring one leg, especially after rest
Licking or chewing at one paw more than the others
Swelling, redness, or warmth around a nail
A visible nail curving into the pad or skin
A bad smell coming from the paw
Discharge, crusting, or bleeding near the nail
Crying or pulling away when you touch the paw
Reluctance to walk on hard floors or stairs

If the nail has been embedded for a while, the wound can become infected. Infection makes the swelling worse and can spread to the toe. A dog with a long-standing ingrown nail may also develop a limp that does not improve with rest.

Some nail problems look similar but have different causes. For example, a dog with paw allergies may lick the paws constantly, which can lead to secondary nail and skin issues. A dog with a nail infection may have swelling and discharge without a curled nail. Your veterinarian can tell the difference.

Causes and Risk Factors

The most common cause of ingrown nails is simple: the nail grew too long. When a nail is not worn down or trimmed, it keeps curving. Eventually the tip reaches the skin or pad.

Several things raise the risk:

Infrequent nail trims. Nails grow continuously. Indoor dogs and dogs that walk mostly on grass or soft surfaces wear nails down slowly.
Dewclaws. These nails do not touch the ground, so they never wear down naturally. They need regular trimming.
Age. Older dogs may move less and wear nails down less. They may also have thicker or more brittle nails.
Nail shape. Some dogs naturally have nails that curve more sharply.
Underlying nail disease. Conditions that affect the claw itself can change how nails grow. Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) is a disease that only affects the claws of dogs and can cause nails to become brittle, split, or fall off [1]. SLO is a complex disease that is a therapeutic challenge, and it is usually diagnosed based on clinical signs [1].
Paw problems. Chronic paw inflammation, such as pododermatitis, can change how a dog stands and wears nails. One report described an intraosseous epidermoid cyst in the digit of a dog with atopic dermatitis and chronic pododermatitis, which shows how digital problems can overlap [2].
Injury or surgery near a toe. Trauma or surgery can change nail growth. In one case, a dog had a large carpal wound reconstructed using a phalangeal fillet that used the first digit (the dewclaw) [3]. This shows that dewclaws can be involved in surgical repairs, but it does not mean dewclaws should be removed routinely.

Some owners ask, "Can dogs get ingrown nails?" Yes. Any dog with nails can develop one, and dogs that rarely get trims are at the highest risk.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Ingrown Nails in Dogs

Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam. Your veterinarian will look at all four paws and check each nail, including the dewclaws. They will look for a nail that curves into the skin, swelling, discharge, or a wound.

They may also:

Gently probe the area to see how deep the nail goes
Check for a foreign body, such as a splinter or grass awn
Look for signs of infection, including pus or a bad smell
Compare the affected paw to the others
Ask about your dog's nail trimming schedule and recent activity

If the nail problem is not clearly an ingrown nail, your veterinarian may recommend tests. These can include a skin swab, a nail clipping for lab evaluation, or imaging such as X-rays. X-rays can help rule out bone involvement. Digital lesions involving bone can include cysts and tumors, and some of these need more extensive surgery [2]. A biopsy may be needed if the nail or toe looks abnormal in a way that does not fit a simple ingrown nail.

In most cases, though, the diagnosis is straightforward. A curled nail pressing into the pad is easy to see once the paw is examined closely.

Treatment for Ingrown Nail in Dogs

Treatment depends on how deep the nail is embedded and whether infection is present.

At-Home Care for a Mild Case

If the nail tip is just touching the skin and has not pierced it, your veterinarian may show you how to trim the nail back safely. Do not cut into the quick, which is the sensitive blood supply inside the nail. Cutting the quick is painful and bleeds a lot.

If your dog is fearful of nail trims, a gentle approach helps. You can read more about counter-conditioning and quick bleeding to make trims less stressful.

Never try to dig out a nail that is deeply embedded. You can push it further in, cause more pain, or start a serious infection.

Veterinary Treatment

For a nail that has pierced the skin, your veterinarian will usually:

Numb the paw. Local anesthesia or sedation keeps your dog comfortable.
Remove the embedded nail. This may mean trimming the nail back or, in severe cases, removing part or all of the nail.
Clean the wound. The area is flushed to remove debris and bacteria.
Treat infection if present. Antibiotics may be prescribed. Your veterinarian will calculate the dose based on your dog's weight and health.
Manage pain. Pain medication may be given or sent home.
Bandage if needed. Some wounds need a light bandage for a short time.

If the nail bed or toe is badly damaged, more involved surgery may be needed. In rare cases, a toe or nail may need to be removed. Your veterinarian will discuss the options with you.

What About Dewclaw Removal?

Some owners ask about removing dewclaws to prevent future problems. Dewclaw removal is a decision that depends on the individual dog. Dewclaws can be injured, and some dogs do fine with them. Others have repeated problems. If your dog has a dew claw injury, your veterinarian can talk with you about whether removal makes sense.

Recovery, Outlook, and Long-Term Management

Most dogs recover well after an ingrown nail is treated. The wound usually heals within one to two weeks, depending on how deep it was and whether infection was present. Your dog may need to rest and avoid rough play or swimming until the paw heals.

Keep the paw clean and dry. Check it daily for swelling, discharge, or a bad smell. If your dog licks the paw, an Elizabethan collar or a soft cone can help prevent irritation.

Long-term management focuses on nail care. Nails grow continuously, so a one-time trim is not enough. You will need to keep up with regular trims at home or with a groomer or veterinarian.

Some dogs have ongoing nail disease that needs long-term treatment. For example, dogs with SLO often need a combination of therapies, and treatment plans vary [1]. If your dog has repeated nail problems, your veterinarian may recommend a plan that includes medication, special nail care, and regular checkups.

Prevention of Ingrown Nails in Dogs

Prevention comes down to one main habit: regular nail trims.

Trim nails every two to four weeks. The exact schedule depends on how fast your dog's nails grow and how much they wear down.
Do not forget the dewclaws. These nails need trimming even if they never touch the ground.
Learn where the quick is. If you are not sure, ask your veterinarian or a groomer to show you. You can also trim small amounts at a time.
Walk on hard surfaces. Walking on pavement or concrete helps wear nails down naturally.
Check paws weekly. A quick look at each paw can catch a curling nail before it digs in.
Ask for help if trims are hard. Some dogs need a calm, slow approach. Others do better with a veterinarian or groomer.
Treat underlying paw disease. If your dog has allergies or chronic pododermatitis, keeping that condition managed can help prevent nail problems.

If your dog has thick or brittle nails that are hard to trim, your veterinarian can recommend the right tools and technique. For dogs with severe nail disease, professional trimming may be safer than doing it at home.

Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian

This article gives general information. Every dog is different, and an ingrown nail can look like other paw problems. Only a veterinarian who examines your dog can make a diagnosis and choose the right treatment.

Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:

A nail that is clearly growing into the pad or skin
Limping that does not improve within a day
Swelling, redness, or heat around a nail
Pus, discharge, or a bad smell from the paw
Bleeding from the nail area that does not stop
Your dog crying or pulling away when you touch the paw
A nail that is loose, broken, or falling off
Multiple nails looking abnormal

Same-day visit: A nail embedded in the pad, a swollen toe, or a dog that will not put weight on the leg.

Emergency now: Heavy bleeding that will not stop, a nail torn off with the quick exposed, or signs of severe pain such as shaking, panting, or collapse.

Routine visit: A nail that curves slightly but is not yet touching the skin, or a dog that needs help with regular trims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs get ingrown nails on their dewclaws?

Yes. Dewclaws are actually one of the most common spots for ingrown nails because they do not touch the ground and do not wear down. They need regular trimming just like the other nails. If a dewclaw curls into the skin, it can cause pain and infection.

How do I know if my dog's nail is ingrown or just long?

A long nail may click on the floor, but an ingrown nail curves into the skin or pad. Signs include limping, licking one paw, swelling, or a bad smell. If you can see the nail touching or piercing the skin, it is ingrown.

Will an ingrown nail heal on its own?

No. An ingrown nail will keep pressing into the skin until it is trimmed or removed. If it has pierced the skin, the wound can become infected. A veterinarian can remove the nail safely and treat any infection.

Can I cut out an ingrown nail at home?

Do not try to cut out a deeply embedded nail at home. You can cause more pain, bleeding, or infection. If the nail tip is only slightly touching the skin, your veterinarian may show you how to trim it safely. Otherwise, let a professional handle it.

How often should I trim my dog's nails to prevent ingrown nails?

Most dogs need a trim every two to four weeks. Dogs that walk on hard surfaces may need trims less often, and dogs that mostly stay indoors may need them more often. Check the dewclaws every time you trim the other nails.

References

Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy in Review: Lessons Learned From 31 Cases. Veterinary dermatology, 2026.
Intraosseous epidermoid cyst in the digit of an atopic dog with chronic pododermatitis: case report. Brazilian journal of veterinary medicine, 2026.
Combined Z-plasty and phalangeal fillet for reconstruction of a large carpal defect following ablative oncologic surgery. Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T, 2013.