Ava Monroe
Dogs' nails are strong and rigid, and they serve multiple purposes, from assisting with running and digging to providing traction and stability. However, dogs can experience various nail problems, including hollow nails. If a dog's nails are hollow underneath, it may indicate an underlying health problem. Possible causes of abnormal nail growth include a lack of regular nail trimming, trauma, bacterial or fungal infections, poor nutrition, and underlying health issues like lupus onychodystrophy. If you suspect your dog has hollow nails, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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What You'll Learn
Poor nutrition
Some common signs that a dog is not getting the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in their diet include brittle nails, poor coat quality, weight loss, and lethargy. A veterinarian will be able to work with you to come up with a diet plan that helps your dog. It is important to never feed a homemade diet or give supplements without first consulting a vet.
Good nutrition with high-quality food will help to prevent weak nails. Talk to your vet about vitamin, biotin, and gelatin supplements that can also act as a preventative measure.
In addition to nutrition, it is important to consider other factors that may be causing nail issues in dogs. For example, nail issues may be caused by a lack of regular trimming, trauma, or infection. Tumors can also grow on the paws or nail beds and impact nail growth.
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Lack of nail trimming
There are several reasons why nail trimming may be neglected. Dogs often dislike having their nails trimmed, making it challenging for owners to keep up with regular nail care. Additionally, owners may forget to trim their dog's nails or may not be aware of the importance of nail care. Seasonal changes can also impact nail growth, with some dogs experiencing faster nail growth during warmer months, especially if their nails are hidden under a thick coat of fur.
To prevent overgrown nails, it is crucial to establish a regular trimming schedule. Most dogs need their nails trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks, but this can vary depending on breed, age, and activity level. Regular trimming helps keep the quick, a blood vessel that supplies nutrients to the nail, short and makes future trims easier and safer. If the quick extends too far into the nail due to overgrowth, trimming can become more difficult and carries a higher risk of cutting into the quick, causing pain and bleeding.
If your dog's nails are severely overgrown, it is recommended to take a gradual approach to trimming. Trimming a small amount of the nail each week allows the quick to recede gradually and makes the process less stressful for the dog. Professional groomers or veterinarians can provide assistance if needed and offer guidance on maintaining healthy nail length.
It is important to note that overgrown nails can significantly affect a dog's well-being. Dogs with overgrown nails may exhibit behavioural changes due to discomfort, becoming less active and reluctant to walk or play. They may also engage in excessive licking or chewing of their paws to relieve pain or discomfort. Therefore, regular nail trimming is essential to maintain the overall health and well-being of dogs.
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Trauma
If a nail is broken or traumatized, dogs may lick the area to soothe it. Excessive licking of a paw or lameness can be associated with nail trauma. Some dogs may not like their paw being handled if a traumatized nail is making the area sensitive.
If only one nail appears affected, this could be a case of nail trauma leading to a secondary infection that is causing pus and increased licking (a form of itchiness) by the dog. If the nail digs into the paw pad deep enough to break the skin, a secondary infection of the paw can result. Bacteria claw infections are usually secondary to an underlying cause, so when only one claw is affected, previous trauma can be considered.
If a nail injury affects the quick or nail bed, or appears red, swollen, or produces a discharge, it should be seen by a veterinarian. Dogs can develop paronychia, an infection of the nail bed, which is often bacterial or fungal. Bacterial nail bed infections often cause swelling at the base of the nail and the digit of the paw.
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Bacterial or fungal infections
Bacterial and fungal infections can cause nail disorders in dogs. These infections can occur when there is a small wound or trauma near the nail bed, which then gets exposed to contaminated surfaces, allowing bacteria or fungi to invade the tissue and cause an infection. This can also happen when dogs chew or lick their wounds, transferring bacteria from their mouths into the open wound.
Bacterial infections are usually secondary to an underlying cause, such as trauma or allergies, and typically only affect one nail. The nail itself may appear normal, but the surrounding skin may show signs of inflammation, including redness, swelling, and warmth. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, either topically or orally for 4-6 weeks if the infection has progressed beyond the nail bed.
Fungal infections are less common in dogs and usually affect multiple nails. They are often associated with warm and humid climates and are caused by various fungi found in soil, mouldy areas, or on the beach. Ringworm is a common cause of fungal nail infections and can be highly contagious to other dogs, cats, and people. Other types of fungal infections include Leishmania, Blastomyces dermatitis, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Fungal infections can cause nail discolouration, thick discharge, and a strong odour. Oral antifungal medications may be prescribed to treat these infections.
To prevent nail infections, it is important to keep your dog's nails trimmed and their paws clean and dry. Regularly washing their crate and bedding can also help remove potential sources of infection. If you suspect a nail infection, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Underlying health issues
While the causes of hollow nails in dogs are not explicitly stated in the search results, there are several underlying health issues that can cause nail problems in dogs. These include:
Lupoid onychodystrophy
Lupoid onychodystrophy is a chronic disease that can cause nail problems such as brittle, deformed, thickened, or missing nails. Young German Shepherds and Rottweilers are among the breeds predisposed to this condition.
Tumors
Tumors can grow on the paws or nail beds and impact nail growth. Some tumors may be cancerous and destructive to the affected area. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Bacterial or fungal infections
Nail bed infections are usually bacterial or fungal. Bacterial infections often cause swelling at the base of the nail and the digit of the paw, while fungal infections can cause nails to become dry, brittle, and crumbly. Infections may be caused by injuries that did not receive proper medical care or other nail and/or skin disorders.
Allergies
Food or environmental allergies that cause paw itching and chewing can also lead to nail bed infections. Common signs of a dietary imbalance include brittle nails, poor coat quality, weight loss, and lethargy.
Autoimmune disorders
Autoimmune disorders can affect the nails, causing nail problems such as peeling or sloughing (the medical term for nails shedding or falling off). Diagnosing autoimmune disorders can take time as multiple tests are often required to determine the problem. Treatment typically involves the long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs.
Parasites
Parasites can cause nail problems, and eliminating them can help resolve the issue.
Poor nutrition
A lack of proper nutrition can contribute to weak and brittle nails. A high-quality diet that meets the nutritional standards established by AAFCO is essential for a dog's overall health and the condition of their nails. Additionally, supplements such as omega-3, biotin, vitamin, and gelatin can support nail health.
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Frequently asked questions
The part inside the nail with the blood vessel and nerve is called the "quick". The nerve and blood vessel of the nail typically end before the keratin shell, so you may note the rest of the nail is hollow. Nails can become hollow due to injuries, diseases, or poor nutrition.
Onychogryphosis is a disease that causes abnormal, excessive development and curving of a dog's claws. Lupoid onychodystrophy is another uncommon condition that causes brittle, deformed, thickened nails, and nail loss.
Signs of a nail infection include swelling at the base of the nail, redness, warmth, discharge, and excessive licking or chewing of the affected paw.
If your dog has a nail injury, closely inspect the paw. Stop any bleeding and clean the area. If only the keratin part of the nail was injured, trim off any sharp edges and monitor the paw. If the injury affects the quick or nail bed, take your dog to the veterinarian.
Regular nail trimming can help prevent overgrown nails, which are often the cause of many nail concerns. Providing your dog with high-quality food and supplements such as omega-3 and biotin can also help prevent nail problems and promote overall nail health.
