nails

our dog kept crying and we have only just realised that her left front paw the upper nail the at the side.it looks like the outter side of nail has broke off and u can see flesh.We have bathed it in salt water do u think we should take her to the vets?or will it heal on its own she cries when we touch it.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Hello,  It is always best to take a dog to the vet when they break a nail to the quick, especially if it is painful.  The vet can use a local anesthetic to anesthetize the area to facilitate removal of any broken nail fragments and can bandage the foot temporarily.  The vet can also give an analgesic to treat any residual pain, and antibiotics, if it is infected.