Nail missing on paw

[slinkyboo]

Our 9 month old pup has lost a nail from a rear paw. It looks red but it's not oozing etc. It is tender to touch (understandably!). Does he need the vet or will it sort itself out naturally? Should I do anything to it?
Thank you!

It sounds like the nail has been pulled off leaving the nail bed exposed. The nail will grow back, but currently there is a very high risk of infection. I would get a vet to look at it as it is any times easier to prevent a nail bed infection than it is to treat one. A fair number of nail bed infections lead to toe amputations hence why this is one I really would have a vet look at.

Thank you lizcat. Vet it is then.

Been to vet, got antibiotics and anti-inflammatries.