1. Home
  2. Dog
  3. Health & Wellness

Dog’s Ingrown Toenail

Chewy Editorial
By Chewy Editorial
Updated
Apr. 30, 2025

Photo by LIghtFieldStudios

Q.


I own a Yorkshire Terrier who weighs in at 2.3 pounds. She is 1 ½ years old. I have been taking her to the same groomer since I got her at six weeks of age. She goes to the groomer every other week —she has a better beauty regimen than I do!

The other day I decided to bathe her in between groomings and to my surprise, I noticed that one of her nails has not been cut in a long time and is growing into her paw. I questioned the groomer and her response was, “Oh, I must have forgotten to clip it.” I, however, do not believe that it is a result of forgetting to clip it one time. It seems to me that it has been forgotten for a long time.

How do I handle clipping that nail? I am scared to do it myself but now find myself not happy going back to that groomer.

A.


Trimming the dog’s nails is part of every grooming service unless the pet is extremely uncooperative and unmanageable, and I’m sure this is not the case with your little Yorkshire Terrier. I agree that because you have her groomed on such a frequent basis, it’s highly unlikely that her nail would have grown long enough to curl around and perforate her footpad if the groomer forgot to clip it on just one visit.

In our salon, clipping the nails is job No. 1 when a pet comes in for a grooming. I find it helps if the groomer follows a routine. I always start with the left rear paw for no other reason than it works for me to be a creature of habit. Using a #10 or a #30 blade with a light and careful touch, we also scoop out any hair growing between the pads, both for cleanliness and to make sure there is no debris stuck between the pads or toes that could irritate the pet’s foot. While doing this, we get the opportunity to observe the nails again and make sure we trimmed them all.

However, a Yorkie is a tiny dog, weighing only four to seven pounds and standing six to eight inches tall, so it’s not inconceivable that your groomer may have missed one of your pet’s nails. I think the rather offhand explanation you reported that she gave did leave a lot to be desired but that’s probably more about her communication skills than her grooming.

Groomers are human and they occasionally make mistakes and your pet has been going to this person since early puppyhood without any other problems. Would you consider talking this over with her once more to explain your understandable concerns about your little pet?

A perforated footpad is not a minor thing. The wound it causes can easily become infected and should be checked by the vet who may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent or treat any resulting infection. Your groomer may have been rushed or stressed the day this happened and she may now be now be having second thoughts about losing you as a customer. Most reputable groomers would offer to reimburse you for the vet visit or offer a credit towards future grooming services.

The nail in question that was not cut may have been a “dew claw,” located a short distance above the inside of one of her front feet (sometimes rear feet as well). Since dew claws are not exposed to friction from walking on hard surfaces, they often grow longer and can easily be missed if you don’t go looking for them, especially if the dog has a full or long coat.

Such neglected dew claws will often grow into a full circle, becoming ingrown. At that point, the way to cut them is to use a scissor-type nail trimmer and clip in the middle of the circular nail. Once you pull the nail portion out of the skin, you need to apply hydrogen peroxide or antibiotic cream and for safety’s sake, I would still recommend a trip to the vet.

Clip your dog’s nails with dog nail clippers every four weeks or so. Elongated nails raise several health issues. In addition to becoming painfully ingrown, they can affect the comfort and health of dogs, making it difficult to place their full body weight on their feet without pain. As a result they may develop sore feet, legs and hips. In addition, their toes may become permanently splayed, ruining the foot’s neat, tight appearance but more importantly, making walking and running such a painful experience that it impacts their quality of life.

Attributions


Chewy Editorial

Chewy Editorial

Related articles
  • What Are Cataracts in Dogs?
    What Are Cataracts in Dogs?

  • My Senior Dog Sleeps All Day—Is This Normal?
    My Senior Dog Sleeps All Day—Is This Normal?

  • What Is Liver Disease in Dogs? What Are the Signs?
    What Is Liver Disease in Dogs? What Are the Signs?

  • What Is a Pet Microchip?
    What Is a Pet Microchip?
  • Our experts are available 24/7:We're here 24/7:
  • 1-800-672-4399
  • United States
  • About
  • Investor Relations
  • Affiliates
  • Jobs
  • FAQs
  • Learn
  • Give Back
  • Gift Cards
  • Sell on Chewy
Download iOS appDownload Android app
Go to ACHC pharmacy accreditationLegitscript ApprovedCompounding Pharmacy Approved
  • Copyright © 2025, Chewy, Inc.
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy (Updated Oct 8, 2024)
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility
  • California Supply Chains Act
  • Vendor Compliance
Download phone image
Get the Chewy app
Download iOS appDownload Android app
We're here 24/7
1-800-672-4399
United States
Copyright © 2025 Chewy, Inc.
Terms-Privacy (Updated Oct 8, 2024)-Accessibility
California Supply Chains Act-Vendor Compliance
About-Investor Relations-Jobs-Learn
Give Back-Gift Cards-Sell on Chewy
Skip to searchSkip to main content
Not in the U.S?

Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

Continue to Canada site
Use App
24/7 HelpHelp
Get help from our experts 24/7
1-800-672-4399
    • Track Order
    • -
    • FAQs
    • -
    • Contact Info
    AccountAccount
    Sign InNew Customer? Start here
    • Account
    • Orders
    • Manage Autoship
    • Favorites
    • Buy Again
    • Prescriptions
    • Pet Portal
    • Connect with a Vet
    • Pet Insurance Dashboard
    • My Rescues
    • Create a Pet Profile
    CartCart
    Your cart is empty.
    Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
    Not in the U.S?

    Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

    Continue to Canada site
    Use App
    24/7 Help
    Get help from our experts 24/7
    1-800-672-4399
      • Track Order
      • -
      • FAQs
      • -
      • Contact Info
      AccountAccount
      Sign InNew Customer? Start here
      • Account
      • Orders
      • Manage Autoship
      • Favorites
      • Buy Again
      • Prescriptions
      • Pet Portal
      • Connect with a Vet
      • Pet Insurance Dashboard
      • My Rescues
      • Create a Pet Profile
      CartCart
      Your cart is empty.
      Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
      Food
      • Dry Food
      • Wet Food
      • Fresh Food & Toppers
      • Veterinary Diets
      • Shop by Health Condition
      • Puppy Food
      Treats
      • Bones, Bully Sticks & Naturals
      • Soft & Chewy Treats
      • Dental Treats
      • Biscuits & Cookies
      • Long-Lasting Chews
      • Jerky Treats
      • Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated
      Toys
      • Plush Toys
      • Chew Toys
      • Fetch Toys
      • Treat Dispensing Toys
      • Puzzle Toys
      • Rope & Tug Toys
      Supplies
      • Crates, Pens & Gates
      • Beds
      • Leashes, Collars & Harnesses
      • Bowls & Feeders
      • Clothing & Accessories
      • Carriers & Travel
      • Training & Behavior
      Dog DealsNew Dog SuppliesPet Parent SuppliesShop all Dog
      Grooming
      • Brushes & Combs
      • Shampoos & Conditioners
      • Grooming Tools
      • Paw & Nail Care
      • Ear Care
      • Skin Care
      Cleaning & Potty
      • Pee Pads & Diapers
      • Poop Bags & Scoopers
      • Cleaners & Stain Removers
      • Vacuums & Steam Cleaners
      Health & Pharmacy
      • Flea & Tick
      • Anxiety & Calming Care
      • Allergy & Itch Relief
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Heartworm & Dewormers
      • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
      • DNA Testing Kits
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Purina Pro Plan
      Hill's
      Blue Buffalo
      Frisco
      Royal Canin
      Bark
      $30 eGift card with $100 order of pet faves like Solid Gold. Code: HAVEFUN. Exclusions apply.
      Food
      • Wet Food
      • Dry Food
      • Everyday Favorites
      • Shop by Health Consideration
      • Veterinary Diets
      • Highest Quality Food
      • Food Toppers
      Litter
      • Clumping
      • Scented
      • Unscented
      • Natural
      • Lightweight
      Treats
      • Crunchy Treats
      • Lickable Treats
      • Soft & Chewy Treats
      • Dental Treats
      • Catnip & Cat Grass
      Toys
      • Interactive & Electronic Toys
      • Teasers & Wands
      • Balls & Chasers
      • Catnip Toys
      • Plush & Mice Toys
      Cat DealsPet Parent SuppliesShop all Cat
      Supplies
      • Litter Boxes & Accessories
      • Cat Tech & Smart Home
      • Beds
      • Carriers & Travel
      • Bowls & Feeders
      • Collars, Leashes & Harnesses
      • Grooming
      Trees & Scratchers
      • Trees & Condos
      • Scratchers & Scratching Posts
      • Wall Shelves
      • Window Perches
      Health & Pharmacy
      • Flea & Tick
      • Anxiety & Calming Care
      • Allergy & Itch Relief
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Urinary Tract & Kidneys
      • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
      • Test Kits
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Tiny Tiger
      Shop Blue Buffalo
      Shop litter robot
      Shop Temptations
      Shop Hill's Science Diet
      Shop Purina Pro Plan
      Help support their urinary health with Royal Canin Urinary nutrition. Shop now.
      Horse
      • Feed
      • Treats
      • Health & Wellness
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Fly Control
      • Prescription Medications
      • Vaccines
      Chicken
      • Feed
      • Treats
      • Nesting & Egg Supplies
      • Coops & Runs
      • Feeders, Waterers & Deicers
      Farm Animal
      • Cattle
      • Goat
      • Pig
      • Sheep
      • Llama & Alpaca
      Wild Bird & Wildlife
      • Wild Bird
      • Squirrel & Critter
      • Duck & Waterfowl
      • Deer
      Small Pet
      • Rabbit
      • Guinea Pig
      • Hamster
      • Ferret
      Pet Bird
      • Food
      • Treats
      • Toys & Perches
      • Litter & Nesting
      • Cages & Accessories
      Fish
      • Tanks & Aquariums
      • Food
      • Filters & Media
      • Decor & Substrate
      • Water Care
      Reptile & Amphibian
      • Live Feed
      • Food & Treats
      • Tanks & Terrariums
      • Heating & Lighting
      • Substrate & Bedding
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Shop Buckeye
      Shop Animed
      Shop Cosequin
      Chewy Chick Days deals. Save on feed & supplies for every life stage. Shop now.
      Prescriptions
      Order your pet's prescription items.
      How it works
      Shop all Pharmacy
      Health Services
      Chewy Vet Care
      Chat free with our vet team
      CarePlus Insurance & Wellness Plans
      Compounded Medications
      Choose from a variety of flavors, strengths, and forms for your pet or horse.
      Learn about compounding
      Dog
      • Flea & Tick
      • Heartworm
      • Pain Relief & Arthritis
      • Antibiotics
      • Allergy Relief
      • Anxiety & Calming
      • Ear & Eye Care
      • Diabetes Care & Insulin
      Cat
      • Flea & Tick
      • Dewormers & Parasiticides
      • Ear & Eye Care
      • Antibiotics
      • Allergy Relief
      • Urinary Tract & Kidneys
      • Pain Relief & Arthritis
      • Diabetes Care & Insulin
      Horse
      • Anti-inflammatory & Musculoskeletal
      • Vitamins & Electrolytes
      • Skin & Coat Care
      • Antibiotics
      • Metabolic & Endocrine
      • Allergy & Immune
      • Behavioral Support & Sedatives
      • Reproductive Care
      Expert Health Tips
      • PetMD
      Connect with a Vet
      Free chat or live-video advice from our licensed veterinary team.
      Learn more
      CarePlus Insurance & Wellness Plans
      Give your pet the best possible health coverage with wellness and insurance plans.
      Learn more
      Chewy Vet Care
      Exceptional in-person routine and urgent care from our compassionate veterinary teams.
      Schedule a visit
      Learn
      How We Give Back
      We've donated more than $100M in products to rescue animal centers.
      Learn more
      Donate to a Rescue
      You can help us make an impact by donating items to your local shelter.
      Find a Rescue
      Find Pets to Adopt
      Search thousands of pets from shelters and rescues in Chewy's network.
      Find Pets
      Join Our Network
      Join our network to access benefits and resources that’ll help more pets.
      Join Now
      Today's Deals