What does a black toenail on a dog mean?

Nail discoloration, where the nail turns red, brown, or black, is usually due to an injury with internal bleeding and bruising under the nail. But it can also be a fungal, bacterial, or protozoal infection. Sometimes it happens because of tumors or damage that allows dirt and debris to collect under the nail.


Why is one of my dogs toenails black?

There are several possible reasons for your dog's nails to turn black. One of them is an infection caused by bacteria or a fungus. If this is the case, topical medications can be used for treatment. If the infection is more severe, the dog may require a course of oral antibiotics or other medication.

Is it normal for a dog's nail to be black?

Nail Trauma

While it is normal for a dog's nail to turn black, nail damage may also cause the nail to turn red due to blood buildup.


What does an infected dog nail look like?

Signs that your pet may have a nail or nailbed infection could include redness, swelling, or discharge from the skin surrounding the nail, or discoloration or deformation of the claw itself. Your dog may also lick her paw or exhibit signs of pain or lameness on the affected paw or paws.

How do I get rid of the black on my dogs nails?

Trimming black nails
  1. Go slowly.
  2. Hold your dog's paw firmly but gently.
  3. Position the clippers to cut the nail from top to bottom (not side to side)
  4. Trim a very small length of the nail, about 1/16th of an inch.


How To Cut Black Nails | Locating The Vein



How do you trim an overgrown black dog's nails?

A dog's nails can be trimmed in two ways: using pet-friendly nail clippers or a grinder. The first is the most common, but there are Dremel-type tools made especially for dogs that make grinding nails down much safer. Grinding can be useful for very large breeds with very thick nails that are harder to clip.

How can I treat my dog's infected nail at home?

Most treatments will include topical or oral antibiotic ointments and paw soaks. Paw soaks might include chlorhexidine or Epsom salts to draw any pus and reduce inflammation while promoting healing.

How do I fix my dogs infected nail?

If the nail area is inflamed, surgical removal of the nail plate (the hard part of the nail) may be necessary to encourage drainage of the underlying tissue. Antibiotic and antimicrobial soaks are also effective for preventing or reducing inflammation, and for encouraging the healing process.


Can I use hydrogen peroxide on my dog?

DO NOT use soaps, shampoos, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, herbal preparations, tea tree oil, or any other product to clean an open wound, unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Some of these products are toxic if taken internally, while others can delay healing.

What does the start of a nail infection look like?

Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails.

What does an infected dog toe look like?

Infectious. The feet and paws are often red (inflamed) and swollen. There may be nodules or fungal lesions (kerions), ulcers, or discharge (pus) from the lesions. There is often hair loss and the dog may lick the feet constantly.


What does an infected dogs paw look like?

Fungal and Bacterial Infections

Signs of an infection in the paws include licking and chewing the paws, redness, swelling, pain, itching, and drainage. Typically, the skin between the toes and other skin folds is affected with itching, redness, and greasy discharge. Sometimes, brown discoloration of the nails.

How long does a take for a dog nail bed infection to heal?

Like bacterial infections, your vet may recommend paw soaks, oral antifungal medication, or topical antifungal creams. Treatment length depends on the severity of the infection. However, most will clear up within 3-4 weeks.