Nail Problems in Dogs

Although nail problems in dogs are not life-threatening, they can be very painful and cause your dog to become less active. Nail problems usually have to be treated by a veterinarian; however, it may be difficult to detect.

  1. Torn Toenails

    • Torn toenails are common in dogs because their nails can easily get snagged in carpet. When the dog tries to dislodge its nail, it might pull too hard and tear it. In this situation you will usually notice blood and your dog will limp or cry.

    Lesions

    • Lesions on the nail can be serious because they can be a sign of cancer in its early stages. Only a biopsy can reveal the cause.

    Overgrown Toenails

    • Overgrown toenails are common in dogs because most dogs do not get enough activity to keep their nails down to a healthy length. It's important for you to trim your dog's nails regularly to keep them in good condition. When nails are overgrown, they could break, split, tear, cause pain and become open to infections.

    Infections

    • According to Vet Info, fungal and bacterial infections are often caused by the dog's immune system trying to fight off another disease. Infections are painful and you may see your dog chew at its paws or start to limp.