Cracked nail! Can I sort this out myself?

[userfornow]

Hoping for advice before I prepare to hand my card over at the vets. For the past couple of days I have noticed my dog licking his paw before bed and when he wakes up.
Upon closer inspection he has a cracked nail, there was definitely no bleeding at any point as I have been with them pretty much 24/7 due to WFH so he would have done it whilst I was around however there seems to be flesh (I think) that I can see through the crack so I think he exposed something.
He is not limping at all but it clearly must bother him to some extent as he is licking it.
Is this something I can attempt to handle at home? He has a immunization appt today so I called the vets up to ask and they have added the nail to the notes however if this is something I can deal with myself I would rather not have this extra expense at the moment.
There is no swelling or sign of any infection in the area. I am happy to post pictures if it helps.
Just to emphasize - I am not trying to skimp out on him whilst providing inadequate care, if it is 100% a vet thing I will happily sort it through them.

Hi OP,
Not sure if you've been to the vets yet or not but I've dealt with alot of cracked nails over the years as a groomer. If you post a pic I'll see if I can recommend anything to help.

It will be a bit sore for him as their quick - the fleshy bit - is the blood supply to the nail. It will feel a bit like if you catch a nail and it rips down to the fleshy bit underneath. Painful, but usually bearable until it's healed up.

thank you for the offer @LittleDogInTheBigCity here you go. One is from earlier when he was licking it, one is from just now. He has been fine with it for the last couple of hours. I'm sure he will start up again soon.

That looks quite nasty, I would want a vet or professional to have a look personally.

@userfornow
Sorry to be so late getting back to you, I've only just seen that you posted!
Assuming you've been to the vets now, were they able to help at all?

They can turn nasty as germs get inside. Many years ago my terrier had a cracked nail and it got infected and he had to have the toe amputated. They may just give some tablets and cream at the vets.

hi sorry I have not updated! Took him to the vets, there was no damage to the quick - which I could tell myself really. They clipped the damaged bit off and gave an antibacterial wash to use. He also sprayed my foot when attempting to spray a corner of the vets office which the lovely receptionist ever so kindly mopped up 🙈 , got the cone of shame to wear to prevent licking when I can't supervise him which he didn't need to use as he, of course, stopped licking as soon as we got back home 🙄
I WFH anyway and I'm with them pretty much 24/7 so can keep a good eye.

Glad all is well :-)