Dog Nail Infection: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

A yelp in the night. Your pup licking her paws or chewing her nails incessantly. These signs could indicate a nail infection — a painful condition that requires veterinary attention. Left untreated, such infections could lead to loss of the nail or spread to the paw.¹ But with proper care, dogs can recover well.

What can cause a dog's nail to become infected, and is it treatable? Here’s a closer look at how to help your pup put their best paw forward.

What Is a Dog Nail Infection?

A dog nail infection occurs when bacteria or fungi (such as yeast) enter the nail bed, usually through a crack or break in the nail. This allows microbes to multiply inside the nail. Bacterial infections are more common, while yeast invades more often in dogs with allergies or other immune issues. Both can create swelling, redness and oozing around the nail.¹

Types of Nail Infections in Dogs

Dogs can suffer from a range of nail infections, each with its own specific causes, symptoms and treatment methods. Be sure to check with your vet to confirm which type of nail infection your dog may have.

Paronychia

Paronychia is inflammation or infection of the folds of tissue around the dog’s claw, or nail.² It is not a common condition.² When it does occur, it usually starts with a cut or break in the skin around the nail, which then allows bacteria or fungi to enter and cause inflammation at that site.¹

Onychomycosis

This type of fungal infection usually begins in the nail bed before spreading to the nail itself. Onychomycosis can lead to your dog's nails turning discolored, becoming thicker and getting brittle.¹

Pododermatitis

Pododermatitis simply refers to inflammation of the paws. It can have many causes, such as bacteria, fungi or parasites. When the cause of pododermatitis is infectious, your pup's paws may be red and swollen. Nodules or fungal lesions may be present, or there may be ulcers on your dog's paws or discharge-like pus coming from the lesions.³

Potential Causes of Dog Nail Infections

Several factors may cause a nail infection in dogs. Active dogs that often run and play can sometimes break and crack their nails. When this happens, it can be easy for germs to get in. Allergies may also compromise nail integrity.¹

Symptoms of a Canine Nail Infection

Some symptoms are common to all forms of canine nail infection, like your dog persistently licking his paws or chewing her nails, or swelling and redness of the nail and toe.¹ There may also be pus draining from the nail or lesions around the nail, particularly with pododermatitis.³

Because of the pain and irritation associated with a nail infection, your dog may limp or favor the affected paw. Limping or favoring a paw can sometimes present like arthritis, especially in older dogs, so a veterinary examination is essential to determine the cause of your pup's pain.¹

How Dog Nail Infections Are Diagnosed

To diagnose a dog nail infection, your veterinarian will carefully examine all of your dog’s paws, paying close attention to the nail and nail bed. They will want to rule out other causes, such as trauma, and they may take a swab of the affected tissue to analyze for bacteria or fungi. If your dog has a more serious infection, your vet may order X-rays or even an MRI to be sure the bone is not involved.¹

How to Treat a Dog Nail Infection

Treating a dog nail infection depends on the cause of the infection and whether it's bacterial or fungal, as well as the extent and severity of the infection.

Antibiotics

Mild infections may be treated with topical and/or oral antibiotics. For the most severe infections, such as when the bone is involved, your dog may need to be treated with intravenous antibiotics in a veterinary clinic or hospital.¹

Surgery

If the infection is severe or persistent and can’t be eradicated with antibiotics, surgery may be required to remove permanently damaged nails or the surrounding tissue.¹

Over-the-counter remedies

In addition to medical interventions, your vet may recommend soaking your dog’s affected paw in a solution of Epsom salt and warm water. Antiseptic sprays are also available over the counter to help keep the affected area clean and reduce symptoms. Check with your vet about which treatment is best for your dog’s situation.¹

Treatment costs vary widely based on the type of treatment needed, geographic trends in veterinary costs and whether sedation is needed.

Tips to Prevent a Dog Nail Infection

Being vigilant about good hygiene and avoiding trauma to the nails are important steps in preventing a dog nail infection. Trimming your dog’s nails regularly avoids overgrowth and also gives you or your dog’s groomer a chance to check for early signs of irritation or inflammation.¹

If your dog does suffer a nail injury, be sure to clean the traumatized area immediately and observe closely for any signs of infection. Seek veterinary care as soon as possible if signs of infection appear, such as redness, discharge or swelling of the affected nail or paw.¹

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about dog nail infections? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

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Author Bio

Yasmine S. Ali, M.D., M.S.C.I., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P., is a board-certified cardiologist and clinical lipidologist. She is also an award-winning dog writer whose work in that arena focuses on the intersection of canine and human health. In addition, Dr. Ali is the bestselling author of "Walk Through Fire: The Train Disaster That Changed America.”