If you want to know how to prevent dry & brittle nails of your pup, then keep reading this article to learn a few ways as dog brittle nails remedy!
What Are Brittle Nails?
Brittle nail is a condition named ‘onychorrhexis’ that is generally faced by dogs. This problem gives immense pain to your little partner as they put their body weight on their paws and nails, relying on them for dragging, digging, holding the bones & toys, along with protecting themselves from different threats. You can quickly notice this issue while trimming or grooming their nails. And so there’s a need to know dog brittle nails remedy to solve the issue at the earliest.
What Causes Brittle Nails in Dogs?
Below are some reasons that can cause brittle nails among dogs!
1. Brittleness Due to Long Nails
It’s necessary to trim your dog’s nails as often needed, and if not done, then nails can become brittle and even lead to severe injuries while doing exercise or any activity. Be careful during clipping your puppy’s nails, as it can cause any harm, discomfort, pain, or infection to its veins and skin.
2. Nail Infections
Fungal, bacterial, and yeast infections are a significant reason for dry & brittle nails among most dog species. Ringworm is triggered by ‘Dermatophytes’ named fungi that affect the nails along with claw folds of your pup, causing brittle nails. It’s necessary to treat this condition immediately as it can also spread to the other body parts and humans as well.
3. Nail Bed Cancers
Nail bed cancer is also a reason for deformed and brittle nails among dogs. Canine subungual melanoma (CSM) and Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are nail bed tumors causing brittle nails by destroying the bones and weakening the nails.
4. Breeds
Some dog’s species are prone to nail-related issues like brittleness, nail deformation, and infection
- Dachshunds
- Siberian huskies
- Rhodesian ridgebacks
- German shepherds
- English springer spaniels
- Rottweilers
- Cocker spaniels
- Whippets
5. Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy
Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) is a disorder often termed by different names like ‘Canine symmetrical onychomadesis’ & ‘Symmetric lupoid onychitis.’ This condition makes your hound’s immune system overactive, making its claws being short, brittle, and having discomfort as well. Young and middle-aged dogs are likely to have this disease.
6. Lack of Essential Nutrition
In the absence of food, rich in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, the dog’s nails can become brittle and fragile. Just like humans, a dog must take a nutritious and balanced diet.
Dog Brittle Nails Remedy
Here’re some remedies to prevent dogs’ brittle nails, that’ll surely ease their condition a lot!
1. Trimming the Nails Properly
To avoid the painful condition like brittle nails, it’s necessary to trim your dog’s nails often. When its nails touch the ground, then it’s the perfect time for nails cutting. Always use a high-quality professional clipper and do this procedure firmly.
2. Nutritious Diet
Dog’s food must have vital supplements like Vitamin E, gelatin, biotin, zinc, and fatty acids, along with different nutrients. If you make your hound’s food at home, then it must be vet-approved, to make sure it’s a balanced diet.
3. Walks on Hard Surfaces
You can protect your dogs from having brittle nails by taking them for long walks on sidewalks, as this will trim their nails naturally. It’s a perfect remedy for those dogs that don’t like to trim their nails.
The above remedies will help you to prevent dog’s brittle nails up to some extent. For further treatment, it’s recommended to consult with your vet!