It is normal and expected for dogs to chew on their nails as part of their grooming routine.
When chewing becomes a habit, it usually indicates that something is wrong with your dog or that something is hurting him.
It could be a straightforward response or something more complex, such as a new behavioral pattern.
Checking your dog's nails is the first thing you should do.
It's possible that your dog is licking or gnawing at his or her paws because something is lodged in the pad.
If your dog's pads appear to be clean, there are likely other reasons for his gnawing.
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What do you do to stop my dog from biting his nails?
Additionally, some dogs have obsessive compulsive behavior, which causes them to lick and chew.
Keeping your dog's nails short is the best method to prevent him from chewing them.
They should be trimmed every 2 weeks or such.
What Causes Dogs to Bite Their Toenails?
The following are the top six reasons why your dog chews his nails:
- Nails are too long.
- Because it's Faulty
- Allergens in the Environment
- Infection caused by fungus
- It's Possible That Your Dog Is Nervous
- They're Exhausted
1. The Nails on Your Dog Are Too Long!
It's possible that your dog is biting his nails because they're excessively long and he's trying to get rid of them. So, nail clipped it using nail clippers or other nail trimming tools.
What Should Be the proper Length for my Dogs Nails:
When the puppy stands in place, the dog's nails should just clear the ground.
If your puppy's nails are clicking on the kitchen floor, it's time to clip them.
While some dogs' nails naturally break while walking, this is certainly not the case if your dog is gnawing them.
You can always clip your dog's nails yourself, or if that's too difficult, take him to a groomer or doctor to get it done for you.
2. Because it's broken, your dog is chewing on a nail
It's not always easy to spot a broken nail.
They can break at the very base of the nail, where it is still linked to your dog's skin.
And your dog will be bothered by this type of break, forcing him to gnaw on it.
Your child may begin to bite and lick the out-of-order nail.
Broken nails can come out on their own, but don't wait for them to heal on their own and become infected.
3. Allergens in the environment may cause your dog to chew on their nails
Food allergies, as well as allergies to grass, pollen, and other environmental allergens, might cause your dog to chew on his paws, which is a symptom.
Inhalants are a common cause why dog is paw licking, nail biting, and also skin itching.
Because of the itchy paws, dogs lick their feet and bite their nails.
The moisture and infection in the saliva foster a secondary bacterial or fungal infection on the feet, it's critical to cease this behavior as soon as you notice it.
Atopy can be a serious and long-term ailment, and the costs can build up quickly, which is why pet insurance can be highly beneficial specially for dog chewing paws.
4. It's possible that your dog has a fungal infection
Your dog may be chewing his nails due to a fungal infection in his nail bed.
And, It could also be the result of a nail injury from rough play.
An infection can occur if a nail is injured and the wound is exposed.
A wound that is left uncovered and untreated might become infected, causing itching in your dog.
Swollen, oozing, and shattered claws are symptoms of an infection, such as bacterial infection, which is often subsequent to another illness.
If only one claw is infected, the cause is most likely trauma, however numerous infected claws indicate other medical issues.
This can result in a paw injury that is covered by a pet insurance company like Healthy Paws if the paw is significantly infected (and another reason to have pet insurance).
Your dog's nails might grow unnaturally and get irritated due to a variety of parasites.
Demodex mites that generally dwell on the skin create demodicosis, which is the most prevalent.
If your dog becomes infected, you must take him to the veterinarian for antibiotic therapy.
5. It's Possible That Your Dog Is Nervous
Some dogs are uneasy or neurotic.
Your dog may chew on his nails to soothe his nervousness if he is suffering from separation anxiety from the dog owner.
Anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including chewing nails, defecating in the house, and engaging in harmful conduct.
Anxiety might drive your dog to grind his nails and utilize his teeth.
Something as simple as a dog barking too loudly outside or fireworks can make a dog so worked up that he develops a compulsive behavior that he resorts to whenever he's terrified.
Dog chewing can also be caused by separation anxiety from it's dog owner.
He's jittery, bored, and missing you.
To prevent boredom and minor separation anxiety, leave him ropes, balls, and, crucially, treat dispensers.
Perhaps a raw-hide bone would be beneficial for him to nibble on instead of his nails.
If your dog has separation anxiety, it may be worthwhile to consult with a dog behavioral professional to see if they can help.
Behavioral treatment is covered by some insurance plans, such as Embrace.
6. Because they are bored, your dog is biting their nails
It's critical to keep a dog's senses stimulated.
Exercise, playtime, communication, and training are all necessary.
When a dog gets bored, he will become destructive to himself and his environment.
Boredom is often manifested by nail-biting.
When another dog or human engagement isn't possible, make sure you have engaging play items.
Make sure to walk or let your dog run in the yard every day before you leave.
A happy dog would sleep rather than chew its paws if it is tired.
Is Pet Insurance Effective in Treating Nail Biting?
Take your dog to the vet for a check-up if he or she continues to gnaw on his or her nails after they have been groomed.
If your veterinarian finds that it is not a medical problem, it is most likely a behavioral issue that requires a different approach.
If you believe that pet insurance for your dog is now necessary, there are a few pet insurance firms with short waiting periods with whom you can check first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it bad for dogs to chew their nails?
Many dogs chew their nails on occasion, but if your dog chews his toes or claws on a regular basis, he may have a medical or behavioral problem.
Nail biting should be handled with your veterinarian because it can cause bleeding and subsequent illnesses.
Why does my dog keep licking and biting his paws?
There are a variety of reasons why dogs lick or chew their paws, just as there are for other dog activities. Injuries, skin disorders, environmental, parasite, or food allergies, as well as boredom or worry, are all examples.
Can dogs cut their own nails?
Many dogs and people despise grooming, but these owners devised a novel solution to the problem. Through simple observation and imitation, most dogs can learn to scratch an emery board.