Just like humans, dogs also can occasionally break a nail. If a dog often experiences broken or splintered nails, it could indicate a medical issue. A veterinarian can recommend treatment and management options.
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Brittle Nails
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Brittle nails in dogs, also known as onychorrhexis, are especially common in dachshunds, according to "The 5-minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion."
Symptoms
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Symptoms of brittle nails in dogs include nails that break or split easily. This can cause a dog pain, resulting in limping or increased licking of the damaged nails.
Causes
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Brittle nails in dogs can be caused by fungal infections. In some cases, the cause of the brittle nails is unknown.
Treatment
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Brittle nails caused by a fungal infection are treated by clearing the infection with antifungal medication. For cases of extreme brittle nails that don't have an obvious cause, declawing the dog by amputating the third phalanx of each toe is an option.
Considerations
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Brittle nails can be managed by trimming away splintered parts of nails. Broken nails can be repaired with fingernail glue.
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