What Causes Brittle Dog Nails? [8 Reasons]

Brittle nails, also known as ‘onychorrhexis,' are a common problem in dogs.

This problem causes your tiny companion a great deal of suffering because they rely on their paws and nails for pulling, burrowing, gripping bones and toys, and protecting themselves from various hazards.

When you're clipping or grooming their nails, you'll notice this problem right away.

As a result, there's a pressing need to learn how to treat brittle nails in dogs as soon as possible.

Want to know more? Check out this facts below!

Brittle Nails in Dogs: What Causes Them? 8 Reasons

Brittle dog's nail or nail disorder can be caused by a variety of factors.

1. Long nails cause brittleness.

If your dog's nails aren't trimmed as often as they should be, they can grow brittle and cause significant injury while exercising or participating in any activity.

Clipping your puppy's nails should be done with caution, since it might cause harm, discomfort, pain, or infection to its veins and skin.

2. Infections of the Nails

Infections such as fungal infection, bacteria, and yeast are common causes of dry, brittle nails in dogs of all breeds.

Ringworm is caused by fungi known as ‘Dermatophytes,' which attack your dog's nails and claw folds, creating brittle nails with nail fungus.

This illness must be treated right away because it has the potential to spread to other body parts and humans.

3. Cancers of the Nail Bed

Deformed and brittle nails in dogs can also be caused by nail bed cancer.

Canine subungual melanoma (CSM) and Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are nail bed cancers that erode the bones and weaken the nails, resulting in broken nail.

4. Dog Breeds

Some dog breeds are more prone to nail problems such brittleness, distortion, and infection.

• Dachshunds
• Siberian huskies
• Ridgebacks from Rhodesia
• Shepherds from Germany
• English springer spaniels
• Rottweilers
• Cocker spaniels
• Whippets

5. Lupoid Onychodystrophy

‘Canine symmetrical onychomadesis' and ‘Symmetric lupoid onychitis' are two terms used to describe symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO).

This ailment causes your dog's immune system to become overactive, causing its claws to become short, brittle, and painful.

This disease is more common in young and middle-aged canines.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies

The dog nail might become brittle and weak in the absence of food rich in critical elements such as vitamins and minerals.

A dog, like humans, requires a good and balanced diet.

7. Rough Experience

Dogs' nails are frequently broken or a torn nail as a result of hard play. When hard play is combined with growing nails, the perfect recipe for cracked or broken nails is created.

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about this except make sure your dog's nails are kept as short as possible.

8. Tumors in the Nail Bed

Trimming your dog's nails is a crucial aspect of caring for him, but how can you mend an overgrown dog nail?

The nail beds, from which the nails grow, are affected by nail bed carcinomas.

They produce brittle nails, bleeding, limping, and ulcerations as they progress throughout the digit and further into the nail.

If found early enough, nail bed tumors may usually be treated by simply removing the digit, so take your dog to the vet right away if you notice anything unusual.

Brittle Nails Treatment for Dogs

Here are some home cures for brittle nails in dogs that will greatly improve their health!

1. Properly Trimming the Nails

Trim your dog's nails on a regular basis using nail clipper to avoid uncomfortable conditions like brittle nails.

It's time to cut its nails when its nails come into contact with the ground.

Always use a high-quality professional clipper and be tough when performing this treatment.

2. A well-balanced diet

Vitamin E, gelatin, biotin, zinc, and fatty acids, as well as other nutrients, must be included in a dog's food.

If you prepare your dog's food at home, it must be vet-approved to ensure that it is a well-balanced diet and avoid nail infection.

3. Hard Surfaces Walks

You may keep your dog's nails from becoming brittle by taking them for extended walks on the sidewalks, which will naturally cut their nails or be naturally nail trim.

It's the ideal solution for dogs who dislike having their nails trimmed.

Consider These Interesting Points About Dog Nail Problems

• Biting at a dog's to nail trims is not a good idea. Your dog is most likely itching around the nails if he or she bites at a single or numerous nails.
• Nail trauma can occur in a variety of ways, including human mistake during nail trimming (clipping too close to the nail bed).
• When clipping your dog's nails, be gentle and attentive. If necessary, seek advice from a veterinary technician or groomer on proper procedure.
• It can be difficult to determine the length of a black nail that should be cut. If in doubt, clip your nails conservatively or leave nail trimming to your groomer.
• Due to reduced wear on the nails, indoor dogs and dogs who only walk on soft surfaces may have longer nails.
• Don't forget about the dewclaw (the nail higher up on the paw similar to our thumb). Also, keep an eye on this nail and clip it on a regular basis.
• Handling your dog's paw on a regular basis and checking for nail health and foreign material (grass, twigs, tar, etc.) in paw hairs will help you maintain your dog's good pedal health.
• At least once a week, check your pet's paws. This also builds your dog's trust in you in the event that you need to examine his or her paws.

Remember!

Brittle nails are more painful!

Brittle nails are more than just a source of discomfort.

They can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient nutrition or malignancies in the nail bed.

Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if his nails are brittle, cracking, or otherwise appear abnormal.

Your veterinarian will assist you in resolving the pain associated with brittle nails as well as determining the source of the problem.

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