I haven't had to deal with a torn dew claw before but from what I know of dogs, it can heal on its own without any problem, or it could get infected and need vet intervention. I noticed my dog licking his paw last night. He tends to be a licker in general so I didn't think anything of it until he didn't stop immediately when I told him to. Took a look and sure enough, he tore off one dew claw. It seems to be fine right now, other than licking it occasionally, he isn't in any distress over it. No limping, no swelling, it's not super tender (I can touch it gently without him flinching). His nails are all full black so it appears that he has torn the outside part of the nail clean off. I am not one to rush to the vet for every little thing but I do take my dogs if it is needed. Does it look like something I can just let nature deal with? If so, how long might it take before it is healed enough to have him working again (mushing)?
