Isla Bennett
Dog owners often take the durability of their pet's nails for granted. However, even the toughest dogs can experience problems with their nails, which can be painful and disruptive for the dog. Nails that are too long can become brittle and prone to injury, including snags and tears. To prevent this, it is important to trim your dog's nails regularly, but not too short as this can cause bleeding. Walking your dog on concrete paths is a good way to naturally wear down their nails. You can also give your dog supplements such as biotin, fish oil, and omega-3s to improve nail health and prevent splitting and breaking.
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What You'll Learn
Regular nail trimming and filing
Firstly, it is important to check your dog's nails regularly. Dogs' nails have a hard outer layer, and underneath is a chalky layer that houses the nail's blood supply, known as the quick. Cutting too close to the quick can cause bleeding and pain for your dog, so it is crucial to be careful and avoid trimming the nails too short.
Trimming your dog's nails can be challenging, and it is essential to build trust and comfort with your dog during the process. Start by introducing your dog to the concept of handling their paws and gradually work towards using trimming tools. Reward your dog with treats and positive reinforcement throughout the process to help them relax and associate nail trimming with pleasant experiences.
When trimming, aim to clip a little off your dog's nails every two weeks or so. You can use clippers or a Dremel rotating nail grinder, but be mindful that some dogs may be averse to the noise or sensation of a grinder. If you opt for a grinder, choose a small model without a plastic guard, as this will allow you to access all edges of the nail more easily.
After clipping, you can further smooth the nails with a nail file or sand them with a grinder to reduce the likelihood of nail splits. This step helps prevent snags and keeps your dog's nails healthy and strong.
In addition to regular trimming and filing, walking your dog on concrete or taking them on long walks on surfaces that naturally wear down their nails can also help keep their nails in good condition.
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Natural waxes and oils
Paw waxes, such as Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax, can also help to lock in moisture and provide year-round protection for your dog's nails and paw pads. This product creates an invisible shield against various elements, including snow, salt, hot pavement, and rough terrain.
In addition to waxes, natural oils can be extremely beneficial in strengthening dog nails. Fish oil supplements, such as the Zesty Paws Pure Salmon Oil or Native Pet Sockeye Salmon Oil, are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help to nourish nail beds, keeping them strong and less brittle. These supplements can be conveniently squirted over your dog's food.
Other natural oils that can be beneficial for dog nail health include olive oil, avocado oil, and sweet almond oil. Jojoba oil is also highly recommended due to its molecular similarity to the body's natural oils, allowing it to penetrate through the nail plate for deeper absorption. Simply Pure from My Bliss Kiss and Cuticle Buddy from Shop NBM are popular brands of jojoba-based nail oil that offer various scents. Alternatively, pure jojoba oil is a great option and can be purchased from Trader Joe's at a relatively affordable price.
By incorporating these natural waxes and oils into your dog's nail care routine, you can effectively improve the strength and overall health of their nails.
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Supplements and vitamins
Brittle or weak nails can be a sign of poor health caused by a poor diet. However, dogs may still suffer from brittle nails even with a good diet. In such cases, supplements can help.
Fish oil is an excellent supplement that can keep many parts of your dog's body healthy, including nails. It is an effective and safe option for strengthening weak nails and can be given daily as part of their regular diet. Fish oil supplements like Native Pet Sockeye Salmon Oil are a good source of Omega-3, which is known to lubricate and moisturize nails, preventing dryness and promoting strength.
Biotin is another B-vitamin supplement that is essential for treating nail issues and promoting healthy growth. It can be found in supplement form at online health food and pet stores. Zesty Paws Multivitamin 8-in-1 Bites are soft chews loaded with biotin, omega-3s, and other nutrients to support overall health.
Collagen supplements are important for overall body health and can help with brittle nails. They can be found in fresh animal proteins and bones.
Other supplements that can help strengthen nails include silica (from bamboo extract), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and zinc.
It is important to consult your vet before starting any new supplement regime.
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High-protein diet
A dog's nail health is an important aspect of its overall health and happiness. Nails that are brittle or weak can cause pain and discomfort, and may indicate underlying health issues. A high-protein diet can help strengthen nails and prevent them from cracking, splitting, or breaking.
Dog nails are primarily composed of a protein called keratin, which forms over 90% of the nail structure. Therefore, ensuring your dog consumes sufficient protein is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy nails. Opt for dog food that is rich in whole proteins, amino acids, and healthy fats. Lean meats such as chicken and turkey are excellent sources of protein and collagen, which is essential for nail health. If you prefer plant-based options, beans, legumes, tofu, and certain vegetables can provide ample protein as well.
In addition to protein, other nutrients play a vital role in nail health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and chia seeds, enhance nail strength and prevent brittleness. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is another crucial nutrient for nail strength. Eggs, cauliflower, and spinach are excellent sources of biotin.
Supplements can also be considered to boost your dog's protein and nutrient intake. Collagen supplements, derived from fresh animal proteins and bones, can be beneficial for nail health. Fish oil supplements are another safe and effective option for strengthening nails. However, it is always recommended to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your dog's diet.
By providing your dog with a high-protein diet rich in essential nutrients, you can help promote strong and healthy nails, ensuring your furry friend can run, play, and dig without discomfort.
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Consult a vet
If your dog has brittle nails, it could be a sign of poor health or a poor diet. Constant nail splitting could point to another problem that needs to be addressed. Therefore, it is always a good idea to consult your vet for a health checkup. Your vet will be able to rule out any underlying health conditions and advise on the best course of treatment.
Vets have expert knowledge of specific dog breeds and will be able to guide you on what may be causing your dog's nails to become brittle or break. They may recommend medication, nail supplements, vitamins, or a change in diet to bolster your dog's nutrition. For example, biotin supplements are given to dogs to treat brittle nails, and fish oil is an effective and safe option for strengthening a dog's weak nails.
If your dog's nails are splitting, tearing, peeling, or breaking, this can be very painful for them. Nails can become infected, and your dog may limp, bleed, lick, or chew their damaged nails. Your vet will be able to advise on the best treatment for nail splits and infections.
In addition, if you are finding it difficult to trim your dog's nails, a vet may be able to help. Many people prefer to have a professional trim their dog's nails, but this can sometimes make things worse if the dog has a bad experience. A vet will be able to advise on the best course of action and may recommend that your dog is sedated for nail trimming if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
If your dog's nails are brittle, split, or break easily, they may be a sign of poor health or diet. Nails that are too long can also become prone to injury.
Regularly trim your dog's nails to keep them in good shape and reduce the risk of injury. You can also walk your dog on concrete footpaths to help wear down their nails.
Fish oil, biotin, and vitamin E supplements are all great options for strengthening your dog's nails.
Check your dog's paws regularly for foreign objects and inspect for signs of soreness or infection. You can also use paw protection, such as booties, to help prevent injury and keep your dog's nails and paw pads moisturized. Additionally, reward your dog during grooming so they can learn to relax when their feet are handled. If your dog is stressed or anxious about nail trimming, consider seeking professional help.
