Nail problems in dogs

Nail problems in dogs are common and have many different causes. Most nail problems are straightforward to diagnose and do not need emergency treatment. The prognosis for nail problems is generally good, though some may need life-long treatment.

The most common causes of nail problems are trauma, allergies, and infections. Dogs of any age can develop nail problems. Speak to a vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s nails.

Overview

What are nail problems in dogs?

Most dogs have five nails on their front feet and four on their back feet. The extra nail that is higher up than the rest is known as the dew claw. Some dogs have dew claws on their back legs too.

The nail area consists of the bone, quick, outer shell, and nail bed. The quick is the part with blood and nerve supply. This area is extremely sensitive and often bleeds if damaged. Luckily, the bleeding will usually stop with gentle pressure.


Dog nail anatomy

The most common causes of nail problems include:

Broken or torn nails due to trauma
Ingrown nails: this happens when the nail curls around on itself and starts to grow into the paw pad.
Infection, usually bacterial or fungal.
- Bacterial infections are usually secondary due to an underlying allergy, an ingrown nail, or trauma. They may also occur with conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.
- Ringworm is a fungal infection that can cause nail problems.
Immune-mediated disease: when the body’s own immune system starts to attack healthy cells.
- Systemic lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) is the most common auto-immune problem that affects the nails in dogs. The nails are usually very brittle and fall out with this disease.
Allergies, food and environmental
Nutritional problems, such as a zinc deficiency
Tumours: the most common are squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and mast cell tumours.

Some causes of nail problems are mild and easy to treat from home, whereas others may need short-term prescription medication or life-long treatment. Speak to a vet if your dog shows any symptoms of nail disease. Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day for advice.

Symptoms

Symptoms of nail problems in dogs

Signs of nail problems in dogs may include one or more of the following:

Limping and difficulty walking
Licking, chewing or biting at the nail or paw
Pain around the nail or paw
Discharge, such as pus or blood around the nail
Swelling or redness around the nail bed or paw
Broken, thickened or misshapen nails
Nails that are brittle and break easily
Changes to the colour of the nail

Risk

Are some dogs more at risk of nail problems than others?

Nail problems can happen in any dog, regardless of age, breed, or lifestyle. However, there are risk factors for some of the causes:

Very active dogs are more likely to get torn or broken nails
Less active dogs are more prone to ingrown nails
German Shepherds, Setters and Rottweilers are more susceptible to the immune-mediated disease SLO
Zinc deficiencies are more common in Huskies and Malamutes and tend to affect giant dog breeds more often than smaller breeds

Diagnosis

How are nail problems diagnosed in dogs?

The first step in diagnosing nail problems in dogs is to have a full clinical exam with a veterinarian. It is important to determine what the next step is and whether medication or further testing are needed. Further tests include:

Examination under sedation or general anaesthesia
Skin or nail scrapes to check for parasites or fungal infections
Samples of any discharge for culture or cytology
Biopsy of the nail or skin around it
Investigations into allergies, such as a diet trial or intradermal skin testing
Blood tests to check for underlying diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism
Imaging, such as x-rays or CT. This is often the case if a tumour is suspected, to check for spread

Vet treatment

What’s the treatment for nail problems in dogs?

Broken nails due to trauma can sometimes be treated from home.

Vet treatments may include one or more of the following:

Clipping or removing the damaged nail, usually under sedation
Cleaning wounds
Antimicrobials, such as antibiotics or antifungal medication
Pain relief
Anti-inflammatory medication
Bandaging the paw
Surgery, such as toe amputation, if a tumour is involved
Immunosuppressants, vitamins and omega fatty acids may be used for immune-mediated conditions
Specific treatment for underlying diseases such as zinc deficiencies, allergies, or diabetes. Further treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, may be possible for tumours.

Home treatment

How to look after a dog with nail problems at home

Broken nails can often be treated from home if:

The nail has come off on its own
There is no sign of infection or pain

It’s always best to speak with a vet to decide if this is in the best interest of your dog and discuss how to keep the area clean.

Prevent your dog from biting or licking the nail area by using a buster collar or pet boot
Allow your dog to rest until the symptoms improve
Make sure to keep the affected area clean and dry at all times
Give any medication as prescribed by your vet
Supplements such as omega oils or vitamins may be recommended
Topical disinfectants, such as a foam or wipes may be used for mild infections

Prevention

Tips on how to prevent nail problems in dogs

Keep your dog’s nails at the appropriate length; this may involve regular trips to get them trimmed by a professional
Make sure your dog is on a complete diet to avoid deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals
Avoid trimming your dog’s nails yourself unless you have been shown by a vet or nurse how to do it correctly
Check your dog’s paws and nails regularly, at least 1-2 times per week, for any abnormalities. It’s important to get them used to this when they are puppies.
Keep your dog up-to-date with regular parasite preventatives
Keep your dog at a healthy body condition

Body Condition Scoring (BCS) in dogs

Body Condition Score (BCS) is a scale that gives a practical evaluation of the fat coverage of your dogs body. By checking how easy or not it is to feel certain bony areas of the body, a score is then produced. There are several scales, from 1 to 5 or 1 to 9. The ideal body condition lies in the middle, so either 3/5 or 5/9.

The body areas normally checked for fat coverage are:

1. ribs and spine

2. hips and shoulders

3. waist

Body condition scoring (BCS) in dogs

Here are a few tips on how to do it.

With your pet in a standing position:

Place your hands on the rib cage and gently feel for each rib, without pressing too hard
Feel the waist and look from the top and the side (if you have a very furry breed, it may be harder to assess)
Feel the spine, which runs down the middle of the back
Feel the top of the hips and shoulders

Are my family at risk of catching nail problems from my dog?

Of the most common types of nail problems listed above, the only one that can be transferred from dogs to humans is ringworm. If your dog has been diagnosed with ringworm, your vet and GP will be able to guide you on how to prevent its spread.

When to worry