What Are the Vet Costs to Fix a Dog’s Broken Nail? 2024 Vet-Approved Update

It’s important that you pay close attention to your dog’s paws and nail health. If even one nail is broken, it can cause severe pain, leading to other serious conditions. Unfortunately, the costs to get your dog’s broken nail fixed can be more expensive than you might think. In fact, many people end up spending between $200–$300 to fix a dog’s broken nail.

Even though you might not want to pay this amount to fix a dog’s broken nail, it is essential. Not only will your dog feel more comfortable after, but it will prevent an infection from setting into the nail and further harming your dog. Keep reading to learn more.

The Importance of Getting a Broken Nail Fixed

A broken nail can be a concerning issue for dogs. If even one nail is broken, your dog may experience severe pain and have trouble walking or playing. In extreme cases, a broken nail can lead to an infection.

Because of how painful and dangerous a broken nail can be for a dog, it’s vital to get the fractured nail fixed immediately. Although you might be tempted to do it yourself, it’s best to trust a professional. A veterinarian will not only be able to repair the injury but also have medications and sedation to ensure the dog is comfortable and healthy during the treatment and after.

How Much Does Fixing a Dog’s Broken Nail Cost?

The vet visit will likely cost $50–$80, including the exam and needed supplies. In addition to the exam, your dog will likely need to undergo a full nail trim, which will cost $20. The cost will increase further to $100 if the dog needs sedation.

To make the price tag jump even more, most vets prescribe an antibiotic to ensure the site does not become infected. They will also likely prescribe anti-inflammatories to help with pain. These medications typically cost between $20 and $60, depending on the size of your dog. There may also be a charge for bandaging the affected paw after cutting the broken nail.

When you add these costs together, you can expect to spend between $200 and $300 to get your dog’s broken nail fixed. Even though it is a hefty price tag, it is one that will ensure your dog is healthy and comfortable.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

The good news is that there are not a lot of costs to anticipate when getting your dog’s nails fixed. At the bare minimum, you will have to pay for the exam, injury correction, and nail trim. This normally costs around $100.

In most cases, though not all, vets will also prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to reduce the chances of your dog getting infections or feeling severe pain. With medication, expect to pay closer to the $200 range.

The only cost that differs from case to case is sedation. If your dog is anxious about getting their nail trimmed or is in severe pain, your vet will recommend sedation. This is not recommended for calm dogs who don’t mind getting their nails trimmed. Sedation typically costs up to $100, meaning you will pay $300 total with sedation.

So, you should definitely anticipate the costs associated with the exam, injury correction, nail trim, and medication. The only price that you may or may not have to pay for is the sedation. However, cutting a broken nail is quite painful, and doing it under sedation is usually the kindest option for the dog.

How Do You Prevent a Broken Nail on Your Dog?

Even though the only way to fix a broken nail is to see the vet, there are affordable ways to prevent the nail from breaking in the first place. Not only will this help save money, but it also will help your dog stay comfortable year-round.

The number one way to prevent your dog from breaking their nail is to create a grooming routine. You will mitigate most broken nail issues by routinely grooming your dog’s nails. If the claws are kept short and clean, there won’t be many nails to break.

You can trim the dog’s nails whenever they start growing out. Many dogs may be afraid of the process at first, but most end up adjusting through exposure. If your dog never adjusts, you may need to hire a professional to do nail trims for you.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Fixing a Dog’s Broken Nail?

Believe it or not, most pet insurance plans actually cover minor incidents, including broken nails. You need to read the fine print of your pet insurance coverage to confirm, but you will likely find that your dog’s broken nail is covered by the plan.

Remember that pet insurance is usually paid out in a reimbursement style. You will pay to get the nail fixed, but the insurance will reimburse you. This isn’t the case for all pet insurance policies, but it is the standard.

What to Do for a Dog’s Paws After Fixing a Broken Nail

After your dog’s broken nail has been fixed, it’s important to monitor the dog’s behavior closely. You want to watch out for limping or signs of infection so that you can take your dog back to the vet if the issue is not fully rectified.

Additionally, it’s vital to follow your veterinarian’s instructions. More than likely, your vet will prescribe medication. While doing that, make sure your dog drinks enough fluids, but try to keep them off the foot for the time being. Try gentle exercises instead of rigorous playtime to ensure your dog does not further injure their foot.

Conclusion

If your dog has a broken nail, it’s essential to see the vet immediately. Not only are broken nails painful for dogs, but they can also be incredibly dangerous. You should expect to pay between $200 and $300 for this treatment.

Even though it is a big pill to swallow for fixing a single nail, it’s one that you can’t ignore. However, you can use your pet insurance policy to reimburse you for the cost. To prevent it from happening again, keep your dog’s nails trimmed.

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Featured Image Credit: Nature_Blossom, Pixabay