Why Are My Dog's Nails Splitting?

Ever wondered why your pet's nails are splitting? It's a common worry for dog owners. It is something that causes a great deal of discomfort to most dogs and a whole lot of stress to the dog owner

This article will explain in simple terms why your dog's nails split and how you can stop it from happening and help keep your furry friend's paws safe and healthy.

Whether you're new to having a dog or have been a pet parent for a while, understanding this nail issue will make it easier to take good care of your canine buddy.

The breaking or splitting of a dog's toenails usually happens because of accidental injuries. For instance, your dog's toenail might get caught on the carpet, a vent, or outdoor plants while playing.

Improper landings during jumps or runs can also lead to nail injuries. Overgrown nails are more prone to breaking compared to well-trimmed, short nails. If you observe your dog's nails breaking, it might be necessary to trim them more frequently to avoid further harm.

Additionally, various disorders related to dog nails can make them more susceptible to breaking frequently; these include:

Your dog's broken nails can get infected by bacteria, and things like allergies to the environment or food can be the cause of dog nail problems.

Environmental allergies happen when your dog reacts badly to things like pollen, while food allergies occur when they have physical reactions to certain ingredients in their food. Both of these problems can lead to infections in your dog's nail beds, so it's important to figure out and deal with these problems to keep your furry friend healthy.

A rare inflammatory disease in dogs, lupoid onychodystrophy, results in unusual nail formation. The symptoms of nail disorder usually impact several paws and lead to irregular nail regrowth, irritation, lameness, shedding nails, and swollen toes.

While any dog breed can experience lupoid onychodystrophy, German Shepherds and Gordon Setters may have a higher likelihood of developing this condition.

Fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis, can make your dog's nails look crusty. This happens when a fungus infects the nails. One frequent culprit for fungal nail infections in dogs is ringworm, which is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophyte.

When you don't trim your dog's nails regularly, they might grow too long and curve into the paw pad, causing ingrown nails. Long nails can result in additional problems such as infections, difficulty walking, and pain for your dog.

Regular nail maintenance is crucial to prevent ingrown nails and ensure your furry friend stays comfortable and healthy.

To maintain strong and healthy nails, our four-legged companions need the same essential nutrients as humans through a complete and balanced diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids that contribute to keratin formation.

The majority of high-quality dog food contains adequate amounts of these essential nutrients. However, not providing your dog with a well-rounded and balanced diet can lead to issues like unhealthy skin and nails prone to splitting.

Senior dogs are more susceptible to split nails. The claws of older dogs are often more brittle, making them naturally prone to splitting. Even a routine nail trim can lead to a nail splitting down the middle rather than being cut cleanly. This points towards the importance of using sharp nail clippers for senior dogs' nails.

Immune-mediated disorders involve the immune system attacking specific parts or multiple parts of the body. These disorders can be induced by external factors like vaccinations or certain medications, or they could be linked to another underlying illness in the body, such as cancer.

Disorders related to the immune system that impact the skin can result in brittle nails that are prone to splitting down the middle. Additionally, inflammation of blood vessels, usually triggered by an autoimmune response, can contribute to compromised toenail health.

Various types of skin cancers, like melanoma, can result in thickened, split, abnormal, or bleeding nails. Due to the malignant nature of these cancers, aggressive treatments are necessary. This may involve procedures like amputation and, in certain cases, removal of the entire limb.

Here, we would like to emphasize the importance of taking your dog to the vet if you notice any abnormalities in their claws. Early intervention is crucial, especially in the case of cancer and many other conditions.

Let's look at how you can treat dog nail injuries:

Securely hold your dog to stop them from hurting themselves more. Ask someone to help you by holding your pet while you work on the nail. Keep in mind that even the sweetest dog might bite when they're in pain.

Using a muzzle can prevent any accidental injuries. Another way to provide restraint is by giving your dog a gentle hug, which keeps them still and makes them feel safe.

Stop the bleeding by wrapping the damaged nail in gauze or a towel and putting pressure on the broken or split nail. If the bleeding doesn't stop in 5-10 minutes, use a styptic powder, silver nitrate stick, or cauterizing powder on the broken nail.

You can buy these at a pet store or in the first-aid section of a pharmacy. If you don't have these, try covering the exposed nail bed with baking powder or flour. Another option is sticking the nail tip into a soap bar to help with the bleeding.

If your dog's nail is broken, you need to carefully remove the damaged part. Use a Dog Nail Grinder to get rid of the broken section of the affected nail and create a good base for the nail to grow back.

Invest in the nail grinder to effectively go about this process at home, but if it's too painful or if you're unsure, it's better to go to the vet.

Sometimes, there might be a small piece of nail hanging, and you can trim it at home with a grinder. But it's usually safer to let the vet handle it. Wrap your dog's foot in a towel and take them to the vet if you're not sure what to do.

To keep your dog's injured nail safe from infection, the vet might apply antibiotic ointment or powder and cover the foot with a bandage. This helps prevent germs and stops more bleeding. Your dog might also need to take antibiotics orally or by injection.

Preventing infection is important because the nail is connected to the bone, and bone infections are serious. The vet will check the nail at a follow-up visit, change the bandage, and make sure everything is healing well.

It is extremely important to manage the pain in the torn nail. When the hard part of the nail (keratin) is missing, the sensitive live tissue with blood vessels and nerves is exposed, which causes pain. Your vet might prescribe pain medication for a few days to help your dog feel better.

Prevention is always better than treatment, so let's look at some of the ways you can prevent dog nails from splitting:

Make sure to groom your dog's nails regularly. Nails that are too long can become fragile and easily get hurt, like getting caught in carpets or furniture.

One way you can keep dog nails short without clipping is by taking your dog on walks on surfaces that naturally wear down their nails. Regular visits to the groomer, and learning how to use nail clippers or a nail grinder can all help prevent nail splits.

To keep your dog's nails healthy, look at their diet. It takes a few months to see any worthwhile changes, but it's worth it.

Here are some of the options you can explore:

- Protein - Give your dog more fresh animal proteins like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. These foods help their body, including the nails. - Biotin Boost - Biotin (Vitamin B7) makes nails stronger. You can find it in the liver, eggs, and some other foods. If your dog has serious nail problems, talk to the vet about using biotin supplements. - Fish Oil - This is good for arthritis, but it also helps with nails. Fish oil has omega-3 fatty acids that keep the skin, coat, and nails healthy. - Collagen - Collagen is a protein that can control the strength and flexibility of nails. As dogs get older, they might need more collagen for healthy nails.

Remember, changes in diet take time to show results. So, be patient and keep an eye on your furry friend's nails.

Keep your dog's nails strong by moisturizing their toes, especially during tough winter conditions like cold weather, low humidity, and exposure to salt and ice-melting chemicals. Take steps to safeguard your dog's feet when it's icy outside.

To sum up, knowing why your dog's nails split is important for keeping them happy and healthy, as they can be extremely painful. Things like accidents, health issues, and the environment can affect their paws.

By taking care of their nails regularly, giving them good food, and getting help early if there's a problem, you can make sure your furry friend has strong and happy paws. Just some nails care for dogs can go a really long way for your dog's nail health.