Should I clip the nail this close to base?

[anelson524]

My dogs nail got caught earlier this week and I trimmed it and put some styptic powder on it. It looks as if it has cracked a bit more. I want to clip it and apply more powder but just worry as it is so close to the base.

Here is a picture of how it is currently.

[Margot49]

I would not clip it any further now.  Clean it with some mild soap and water and dry thoroughly.  If it were me, I would put some liquid bandage on the split part.  They do sell liquid bandage fir dogs probably at the pet store.  To protect it, if need be, you can get some Vet wrap, a type of elastic bandage they now sell also, and wrap it.  Let it grow out some and heal then try taking a fingernail file and smoothing it out.  Just check it daily to make sure there are no signs of infection.

[Ghilly]

I would leave it for a bit and let it grow out some before attempting to clip it again.  It's VERY close to the base right now, if you take it down any further you could end up with a lame dog or even an infection.  Of course, if it cracks and catches on anything else and begins to bleed, you're going to have to deal with it at that point even if it hasn't grown out any more than it already is, but it's so close to the base that if it does give her any more problems, I'd take her to the vet and let them deal with it.  It is going to be painful for her and it's best if she associates that pain with the vet and not with you.  

Please post back and let us know what happens.

Ghilly