Isla Bennett
Brittle dog nails are often a sign of poor health or medical problems. Nails can become flaky and brittle due to a lack of collagen, poor nutrition, or bacterial or fungal infections. Brittle nails are more prone to breaking, which can be very painful for dogs and may require immediate veterinary attention. To prevent broken nails, it is important to keep your dog's nails properly trimmed. When cutting back brittle nails, it is crucial to avoid cutting into the quick of the nail, which can cause bleeding and pain. If you are uncomfortable trimming your dog's nails, you can seek the help of a professional groomer or veterinarian.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of brittle nails | Poor nutrition, nail disorders, bacterial or fungal infections, lupus, old age |
| Prevention | Regular nail trimming, high-quality diet, supplements (collagen, fatty acids, oils), walking on concrete |
| Treatment | Remove loose nail pieces, gauze bandage, styptic powder, antibiotics, pain medication |
| Tools | Sharp nail clippers, styptic powder, gauze, antibiotic ointment or powder |
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What You'll Learn
- How to cut back overgrown nails without cutting into the quick?
- What to do if your dog's nail has broken and is bleeding?
- How to prevent your dog's nails from becoming brittle due to poor nutrition?
- How to identify and treat a fungal nail infection?
- How to cut your dog's nails to prevent accidental damage?
How to cut back overgrown nails without cutting into the quick
Overgrown nails are common in dogs and can be prevented with regular trimming. If the nails are very long, it is best to ask a vet or groomer for help. Nails should be cut a little at a time to allow the quick to recede.
The quick is a bundle of nerves and blood vessels contained in the dog's claw. It is a soft cuticle that appears as a pinkish or reddish line in white nails. It is easier to avoid cutting into the quick when trimming white nails. The quick is harder to identify in black nails, so it is best to err on the side of caution and trim less of the nail.
To cut overgrown nails without cutting into the quick, first, pick up your dog's paw and place your thumb on the pad of their toe, with your forefinger on the top of the toe, just above the nail. Push your forefinger forward while pressing your thumb up and backward on the pad. This will extend the nail. Only the tip of the nail should be clipped, straight across. Avoid clipping past the curve of the nail, as this will cause pain and bleeding.
If you accidentally cut into the quick, the nail will bleed. Apply a clotting powder such as styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.
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What to do if your dog's nail has broken and is bleeding
If your dog has a broken nail that is bleeding, it is important to stay calm and follow these steps:
First, safely restrain your dog by hugging them to keep them still and calm. Remember, even the friendliest dog may bite when in pain. If necessary, use a muzzle to avoid injury.
Next, control the bleeding. Wrap the dog's foot gently in gauze or a towel and apply pressure to the injured toe. If the bleeding does not stop within 5-10 minutes, you can apply a styptic pencil, silver nitrate stick, or cauterizing powder to the nail. These products can be purchased at a pet store or pharmacy. In a pinch, you can also use flour, cornstarch, or baking powder.
If the nail is still bleeding, take your dog to a veterinarian or veterinary urgent care/emergency hospital. They may apply antibiotic ointment or powder to the exposed nail bed to prevent infection and bandage the foot. Your veterinarian may also prescribe pain medication to keep your dog comfortable, as the exposed quick can be very painful.
If there is a loose piece of nail that may snag and cause further damage, gently remove it with sharp trimmers. Once the bleeding has stopped, clean the nail with warm water or saline solution and apply a clean gauze bandage.
To prevent broken nails, it is important to keep your dog's nails trimmed. Nails that are too long can get caught on things and break more easily. Walking on concrete or sidewalk surfaces can help to wear down nails naturally, but this may not be sufficient to keep them short enough. Regularly trimming your dog's nails can help to prevent them from becoming overgrown and breaking.
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How to prevent your dog's nails from becoming brittle due to poor nutrition
While brittle dog nails can be caused by a variety of factors, poor nutrition is a key contributor. Nails that are prone to breaking, splintering, or cracking may indicate a lack of necessary nutrients or hydration. Here are some tips to prevent your dog's nails from becoming brittle due to poor nutrition:
Proper Nail Care and Grooming
Regular nail trimming is crucial for maintaining healthy nails in dogs. Nails that are too long can cause discomfort and even deformities in the paws. It is recommended to trim your dog's nails every 3-4 weeks or as needed. When trimming, be careful not to cut into the "quick" of the nail, as this can cause pain and bleeding. If you are unsure about how to trim your dog's nails properly, consult a groomer or veterinarian for guidance.
Provide a Balanced and Nutritious Diet
Ensure your dog is receiving a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. Include iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, and leafy greens like spinach or kale to prevent iron deficiency, which can cause brittle nails. Vitamin C-rich foods like broccoli and other fruits and vegetables are vital for collagen production, supporting healthy nail growth.
Zinc-rich foods such as beef liver, poultry, and shrimp play a key role in nail tissue growth and repair. Additionally, incorporate omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and chia seeds, to enhance nail strength and prevent brittleness. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is crucial for nail strength, and can be found in eggs, cauliflower, and spinach.
Adequate Hydration
Adequate hydration is essential for nail health. Make sure your dog is drinking enough water daily to keep their nails hydrated and prevent brittleness.
Vitamin E-Rich Foods
Include vitamin E-rich foods like salmon, shrimp, spinach, and avocados (in safe amounts for dogs) in your dog's diet. Vitamin E helps protect nails from oxidative damage.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups
Regularly take your dog for check-ups with their veterinarian. They can identify any underlying health issues that may be contributing to brittle nails and recommend dietary changes or supplements to enhance nail health.
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How to identify and treat a fungal nail infection
While nail infections in dogs have varying causes, they usually have an excellent treatment prognosis and take a short amount of time to heal. However, any suspected nail infection should always be seen by a vet before it worsens or spreads.
How to Identify a Fungal Nail Infection
A fungal nail infection in dogs is typically identified by yellow to brown discolouration of the nail, a strong odour, or thickened, flaky, and brittle nails. Other symptoms include:
- Nodules or fungal lesions
- Ulcers on the paws
- Pus coming from the lesions
- Persistent licking of paws or chewing of nails
- Swelling and redness of the nail and toe
- Limping or favouring the affected paw
- Hair loss
- Itching
- Flaky or crusty skin
- Misshapen nails
How to Treat a Fungal Nail Infection
If a fungal nail infection is suspected, a veterinarian will perform a fungal culture of hair or skin cells or a microscopic examination of a hair sample. A Wood's lamp (black light) can also be used to illuminate the fur at the nail base—if ringworm is present, the fur will glow yellow or green.
Once diagnosed, fungal nail infections are typically treated with oral antifungal medication, medicated baths, dips, and topical antifungal creams. Treatment length depends on the severity of the infection, but most will clear up within 3–4 weeks.
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How to cut your dog's nails to prevent accidental damage
Brittle dog nails can be a sign of poor health or medical problems. They can also be caused by a lack of collagen, which is common in older dogs, or by poor nutrition. In addition, a dog nail infection can occur from fungi or bacteria, causing the nails to become flaky and brittle.
To prevent accidental damage when cutting your dog's brittle nails, you should first establish the cause of the brittleness and take the necessary steps to improve their health. This may include adding supplements to their diet or addressing any underlying health conditions.
Once you have addressed the cause of the brittleness, you can begin trimming your dog's nails. It is important to use sharp nail clippers designed for dogs, as dull trimmers can shred the nail and increase the likelihood of breakage. If your dog has black nails, clipping them can be more complicated as you cannot see the quick inside the nail. In this case, it may be best to have a professional groomer or your veterinarian trim the nails.
When trimming your dog's nails, it is important to avoid cutting into the quick, which is the living tissue inside the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. Cutting into the quick can be very painful for your dog and can lead to bleeding. To prevent this, trim the nail at a 45-degree angle, only cutting the tip of the nail.
In addition to regular trimming, you can also help to keep your dog's nails short by taking them for walks on concrete or sidewalk surfaces, which will help to grind down their nails naturally. However, this may not be enough to keep their nails at the proper length, so trimming is still necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Brittle nails are often a sign of poor health or medical problems. They can be caused by a lack of collagen, which is common in older dogs, or by a fungal infection. In the latter case, the nails will have a crusted appearance.
You can give your dog collagen supplements to treat brittle nails. You should also ensure they are getting enough exercise and walking on concrete or rugged outdoor surfaces to help file their nails down.
If your dog has broken their nail, you should safely restrain them and then control the bleeding by gently wrapping their foot in gauze. If the bleeding does not stop within 10 minutes, apply a cauterizing powder or styptic pencil to the nail.
You should use sharp nail clippers or a grinder to cut your dog's nails at a 45-degree angle, avoiding the quick. You can ask your veterinarian to demonstrate the proper technique or have them cut your dog's nails for you.
Cutting your dog's nails carries the risk of cutting into the quick, which can be very painful for your dog and lead to bleeding. You should also be careful not to wrap the gauze too tightly when treating a broken nail, as this can cause swelling.
