Sophia Delgado
Dog nails are made of keratin and play an essential role in a dog's overall health. They can become flaky and brittle due to various reasons, such as nutritional deficiencies, bacterial or fungal infections, and underlying health conditions. Long nails are more prone to breaking or splitting, and certain breeds like Beagles and Labradors are more susceptible to specific nail conditions. Additionally, as dogs age, their collagen production decreases, impacting nail health. To address brittle nails, it is crucial to establish the underlying cause and provide proper nutrition, supplements, and nail care to improve their health and prevent injuries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | A low-quality, unbalanced diet can cause brittle nails. |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Lack of nutrients such as collagen, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids can make nails prone to breaking and splitting. |
| Nail care | Nails that are too long or not trimmed properly can become brittle and more susceptible to injury. |
| Breed | Certain breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and Bull Terriers may be more prone to nail issues due to genetic predispositions. |
| Age | Older dogs may have weaker nails due to decreased collagen production. |
| Immune system | A compromised immune system can make dogs more susceptible to nail infections, which can cause brittleness and flakiness. |
| Environmental factors | Exposure to certain environmental conditions can increase the risk of nail disorders. |
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What You'll Learn
Nail anatomy: The quick, keratin, and dew claws
Dog nails are made of a strong protein called keratin, which is also found in human nails. The keratin in dog nails creates a nerveless outer shell that protects the inner bundle of nerves and blood vessels within. This inner bundle is called the quick.
The quick is the soft inner section of the nail. It contains the blood supply and nerves, so cutting into it can be very painful for dogs. The quick is more easily distinguished in dogs with clear or light-coloured nails, so it is more complicated to trim the nails of dogs with black nails.
The dewclaw is a fifth nail that some dogs have, located a little higher up on the leg, almost to the wrist. It can be found on the front legs, back legs, or both, and can be either floppy or attached. Dewclaws are the most common nails to get snagged on things and broken, and they are also the easiest to miss when trimming nails.
To keep your dog's nails healthy, it is important to trim them regularly. This can be done with nail clippers or a Dremel rotating nail grinder. It is also beneficial to use fish oil and other fatty acids, as these promote the production of keratin, strengthening the claws.
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Nail injuries: Trimming, breaking, and bleeding
Trimming
Trimming your dog's nails is an important part of their nail care routine. It is necessary to trim your dog's nails regularly to keep them short, as long nails can get caught on objects and break more easily. When trimming your dog's nails, it is important to use a good-quality pair of nail trimmers and to avoid cutting into the quick, which can be painful and lead to bleeding. The quick is the sensitive inner part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. It is attached to the bone, so any damage to the quick can lead to a serious bone infection.
Breaking
Dog nails can break for various reasons, such as snagging them on carpet or upholstery fibres, jumping off furniture, or running through brush and shrubs. Longer nails tend to get caught more easily, so keeping your dog's nails trimmed short can help prevent breaks. Broken nails can be very painful for dogs and may cause them to limp or favour the injured foot. In some cases, a broken nail may require a trip to the vet, especially if the nail is split to the base or if the bleeding is excessive.
Bleeding
If your dog's nail is bleeding, it is important to control the bleeding by wrapping the foot in gauze or a towel and applying pressure to the injured toe. If the bleeding does not stop within 5-10 minutes, you can use a styptic pencil, silver nitrate stick, or cauterizing powder to help stop the bleeding. You can also try covering the nail with baking powder, flour, or cornstarch. It is important to prevent your dog from licking or chewing at the nail, as this can make the injury worse and increase the risk of infection.
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Bacterial and fungal infections
Bacterial infections in the nail beds can be caused by environmental or food allergies. The nail itself usually appears normal, but the surrounding skin may be red, swollen, and warm to the touch. Bacteria entering small cuts is also a common cause of infection. Bacterial infections are typically localized to one nail, but they can cause severe bone infections if the quick is exposed.
Fungal infections, on the other hand, often affect multiple nails and cause a crusted appearance, a strong odor, and thick, flaky, and weak nails. Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection characterized by yellow to brown discoloration of the nails and surrounding skin. It is caused by a yeast called Malassezia or, less commonly, ringworm. Dogs that chronically lick their paws due to allergies may be more susceptible to fungal infections, as bacteria and fungi thrive in moist environments.
Treatment for nail bed infections typically involves oral or topical medications, such as oral antifungal drugs or antibiotics, and bandaging. Pain medications may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation and discomfort. In severe cases, surgery to remove the affected toe may be necessary.
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Nutrition, supplements, and collagen
Dog nails are made of keratin, a fibrous protein that is acquired through the nutrients in food. Therefore, a diet containing quality dog food is essential for your dog's nail health. Cracked and brittle nails can indicate that your dog is eating a low-quality, unbalanced diet and is not getting the nutrients it needs.
Even with a good diet, dogs can still suffer from brittle nails. This could be due to a nutrient absorption issue or a deficiency in their diet. In such cases, supplements can be considered.
Collagen supplements can help restore and maintain healthy nails that don't split or crumble as they grow. Collagen is the main structural protein found in skin and connective tissues, and it determines the strength and elasticity of hair, bones, nails, and teeth. As dogs age, their capacity to produce collagen diminishes, making their nails more susceptible to injuries and painful conditions. The recommended daily dose for dogs is 8 grams of collagen per 25 pounds of body weight.
Biotin is another supplement that can improve nail strength and thickness. It promotes keratin growth and nail thickness. A natural way to correct a biotin deficiency is with foods that contain it, such as liver, kidneys, and other organs from beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, as well as eggs. However, supplements are more effective at improving nail health than low amounts of biotin in fresh foods.
Other supplements that can help improve nail health include MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), a sulfur-rich compound that strengthens nails and reduces brittleness; silica (from bamboo extract), which enhances nail hardness and structural resilience; and zinc, which supports nail regeneration and helps prevent splitting.
Essential fatty acids, such as fish oil, are also beneficial for nail health. Omega-3, a fatty acid found in fish oil, has various health benefits for dogs, including improving nail strength.
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Grooming and veterinary care
If your dog's nails crumble when you cut them, it could be a sign of a nutritional deficiency. Nails are made of keratin, a fibrous protein that is acquired through nutrients in food. A diet high in appropriate dog nutrition can still result in a nutrient deficiency, indicating a deeper problem. A natural way to correct a biotin deficiency is to feed your dog liver, kidneys, and other organs from beef, pork, lamb, or poultry.
If you're not confident cutting your dog's nails at home, you can take them to a groomer or veterinarian for a trim. You can also ask these professionals to teach you the proper nail-trimming techniques.
Long nails are more prone to breaking and splitting, so keeping them short is critical. Nails take four to six months to grow, so upgrading your dog's diet won't produce immediate results. However, nutrition is a proven long-term strategy.
Collagen supplements can also help, as collagen is the main structural protein found in skin and connective tissues. It determines the strength and elasticity of nails. As dogs age, their capacity to produce collagen diminishes, so supplements can help restore and maintain healthy nails.
If your dog has injured their nail, you may need to cut their claws more often to prevent further injury. You can also use pet nail clippers to trim away slivers. More severe nail injuries may require veterinary treatment, including sedation and pain medication. Your veterinarian may also prescribe oral antibiotics and pain medication to prevent infection and keep your dog comfortable as their nail heals.
Additionally, you can train your dog to use a scratch board or emery board to wear down their nails gradually, reducing or eliminating the need for nail trims.
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Frequently asked questions
Your dog's nails might crumble due to nutritional deficiencies. A lack of collagen, biotin, omega-3, or protein can cause brittle nails. You can supplement your dog's diet with collagen, biotin, or omega-3 supplements, or add more animal-source protein like eggs, meat, fish, or dairy products.
Keeping your dog's nails short and well-maintained can help prevent crumbling. You can use nail clippers or a grinder to trim their nails regularly, ideally once a week. Make sure not to cut into the quick of the nail, which is the inner spongy tissue made of blood vessels and nerves.
If your dog's nail is damaged, you can gently remove any loose pieces with sharp trimmers. Then, clean the nail with warm water and bandage your dog's foot with gauze. Contact your veterinarian, who may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication to prevent infection and keep your dog comfortable.
