Liam Carter
Crooked nails in dogs can be caused by several factors. One of the most common reasons is a lack of regular nail trimming, which can cause nails to grow long and curl back into the footpad, leading to discomfort and lameness. This is especially true for indoor dogs or those walking on soft surfaces, as their nails may not wear down naturally. Additionally, long nails can turn the toes, causing further issues. In some cases, nail disorders or underlying skin issues can cause malformed nails. Dogs may also experience broken or traumatized nails, leading to pain and potential infection if left untreated. Certain diseases, such as onychogryphosis, can cause abnormal nail growth and curving. It is important to monitor your dog's nail health and consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Lack of regular nail trimming, nail trauma, aging, bacterial or fungal infection, arthritis, allergies, yeast infection, autoimmune condition, lupus onychodystrophy, tumors, parasites |
| Symptoms | Crooked, curved, or sideways nail growth; broken, malformed, or sensitive nails; excessive licking or chewing of nails; nail bed infection; crusting of nails; thickened nails; nail loss |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, skin biopsy, antibody tests, X-ray |
| Treatment | Veterinary medication, maintenance therapy with allopurinol, regular nail removal, antibiotics, nutritional supplements, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery |
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Lack of nail trimming
In addition to causing physical pain, long nails can also lead to arthritis in dogs. Nails that are left to grow for too long can also be indicative of a larger skin issue, as nails are an extension of the skin. For example, dermatophyte fungus or ringworm can cause crusting of the nails and impact their growth.
Furthermore, a lack of nail trimming can result in onychogryphosis, a condition characterized by abnormal, excessive development and curving of the claws. This condition may require sedation for the dog to tolerate nail cutting, and your veterinarian may recommend maintenance therapy or regular removal of the affected nail.
To prevent these issues, it is important to trim your dog's nails frequently. This will help avoid nail splitting or breaking and will reduce the risk of nail problems. Regular trimming will also allow you to examine your dog's nails for any abnormalities and take prompt action if needed.
If you are unsure about trimming your dog's nails, it is best to seek professional guidance or assistance. By prioritizing nail care, you can help ensure your dog's comfort and overall well-being.
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Running injuries
Crooked nails are perfectly normal for dogs, but nail injuries are a common problem for our furry friends. Dogs' nails are attached to their toe bones and consist of a hard outer layer of keratin, which protects the quick, an inner spongy tissue made of blood vessels and nerves. This means that a broken nail can be very painful for a dog and can even lead to infection.
Running is a common cause of nail injuries in dogs. Dogs' nails are more susceptible to splitting, cracking, or breaking when they run on hard surfaces. This is especially true if they are running through the brush, over low shrubs, or on rough ground. Dogs who are very active may find their nails wear down naturally, but this is not always the case, and their nails can get caught on things like shrubs or carpet.
Long nails are more prone to injury than short nails, so keeping your dog's nails neatly trimmed is an important preventive measure. If your dog has long nails, consider clipping them weekly to prevent overgrowth and increase the chances of them breaking during exercise. However, it's important to be careful not to cut into the quick of the nail.
If your dog does break a nail, it may be painful for them to put weight on the injured paw, and they may start limping or bleeding. You may also notice them licking their paw excessively. In this case, you should carefully restrain your dog and apply pressure to the nail with a clean cloth or gauze square for 5 to 10 minutes to control the bleeding. You can also use cauterizing powder, baking powder, or flour to stop uncontrollable bleeding. If the nail is only loosely attached, you can gently remove it with sharp trimmers. If the bleeding doesn't stop within 5 to 10 minutes, take your dog to the vet.
In some cases, nail injuries can be more serious and lead to infection. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, or if your dog is having difficulty walking, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. Your dog may require antibiotics and pain medication to treat the injury and prevent infection.
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Ageing
As dogs age, their nails may also thicken and harden, making them more difficult to trim. This can be due to health conditions associated with ageing, such as arthritis and decreased activity levels. Older dogs may also experience discomfort during nail trimming due to age-related health issues.
Additionally, ageing can cause changes in a dog's activity levels, which can impact nail growth. For example, a less active dog that spends more time indoors may have less opportunity to wear down its nails naturally, leading to longer nails that are more prone to growing crooked.
To prevent nail overgrowth and maintain nail health in older dogs, regular nail trimming is essential. However, it is important to be cautious when trimming an older dog's nails, as the quick, or the blood vessel and nerve inside the nail, may have grown longer with age. Cutting the quick can cause pain and bleeding. Therefore, it is recommended to trim the nails gradually, a little at a time, to avoid cutting the quick.
In summary, ageing can contribute to dogs' nails growing crooked through increased nail growth rates, nail thickening and hardening, and decreased activity levels. Regular, careful nail trimming is crucial to prevent nail overgrowth and maintain nail health in older dogs.
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Trauma
If your dog's nail appears to be growing sideways, it could be due to an injury. For example, a dog's nail could get stuck on something and turn sideways. In such cases, it is advisable to get an X-ray to check if the toe is broken. Even if the toe is broken, there may not be much that can be done, similar to the treatment for a broken human toe.
In addition to trauma, there are other possible causes of abnormal nail growth in dogs. These include a lack of regular nail trimming, aging, diseases such as onychogryphosis, bacterial or fungal infections, and auto-immune conditions.
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Underlying skin issues
Crooked nails in dogs can be indicative of underlying skin issues. Nails are an extension of the skin, and any problems with them can be a clue to a larger skin issue.
One such skin issue is dermatophyte fungus (ringworm), which can cause crusting of nails and the surrounding skin tissue. This fungus is more common in cats, but dogs can also be affected. Another skin condition that can cause nail issues is pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, an autoimmune disease that impacts the skin and mucous membranes, resulting in the skin falling apart due to the erosion of the mechanism that keeps skin cells attached.
Additionally, bacterial or fungal infections can cause nail abnormalities. In some cases, sedation may be required to tolerate the nail-cutting procedure.
If your dog's nails are growing sideways, it could be due to the length of the nails. Long nails can turn the toes, causing the nails to grow even faster. Nails that are not worn down through activities such as walking on sidewalks or digging can become overgrown and start growing into the foot. Overgrown nails can be prevented by clipping them regularly, ideally weekly.
If your dog experiences recurrent nail issues, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to assess any underlying issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails grow at different rates and can be influenced by how the foot is positioned and the dog's activity level and environment. For example, a dog who spends more time indoors on soft surfaces or walks on grass may have longer nails due to less wear on the nails. Longer nails are more prone to breaking or splitting and can curl back and grow into the footpad, causing pain and leading to arthritis.
Keep your dog's nails trimmed. Trim them every 2 weeks, a little at a time. Walking your dog on hard surfaces can also help wear down their nails.
Learn the correct technique from your veterinary technician or groomer. For black nails, trim conservatively or trust a groomer with the nail trimming.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Crooked nails may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, or an autoimmune disease.
