Hello Hello,
Have you not taken your pup in to the vet for a puppy check or any vaccinations? At 5 months, I imagine you have - but I guess I am surprised that if the nail has been missing since you got him, why you wouldn't have asked the vet about it during an initial visit. Regardless, yes if the pup is lifting his leg through the house, he is letting you know he's distressed, so it would be worth a check out. at the vet's office Dogs nails are attached to the bone of the toe itself, so even though the nail is missing, there could be something happening under the skin (a small fracture, a spur) that is causing the pain. Not sure what (if anything) could be done about it, but the vet could tell you that and may also recommend some lifestyle ideas that would make things easier for your dog. It's my opinion that you don't want to mess around too much with a puppy when you are seeing issues with their mobility...may have lasting effects into adulthood so best to curb it now
Good luck and do keep us posted as to what you discover!
Have you not taken your pup in to the vet for a puppy check or any vaccinations? At 5 months, I imagine you have - but I guess I am surprised that if the nail has been missing since you got him, why you wouldn't have asked the vet about it during an initial visit. Regardless, yes if the pup is lifting his leg through the house, he is letting you know he's distressed, so it would be worth a check out. at the vet's office Dogs nails are attached to the bone of the toe itself, so even though the nail is missing, there could be something happening under the skin (a small fracture, a spur) that is causing the pain. Not sure what (if anything) could be done about it, but the vet could tell you that and may also recommend some lifestyle ideas that would make things easier for your dog. It's my opinion that you don't want to mess around too much with a puppy when you are seeing issues with their mobility...may have lasting effects into adulthood so best to curb it now
Good luck and do keep us posted as to what you discover!