Nail Fungus in Dogs

Your dog may love playing in the mud, but that same mud may carry organisms that can invade your pup's feet and cause a fungal infection in the nails. While it is not easy to detect, it can be easy to treat. There are several ways to prevent nail fungus from occurring.

  1. Fungus

    • A fungus is neither a plant nor an animal. Fungi thrive by absorbing nutrients from their surroundings. A fungus can invade your dog's skin, coat or nails and may cause an infection.

    Causes

    • If your dog's feet are submitted to moist situations frequently, it could cause a fungal infection to set in. This may occur if your dog spends a lot of time in damp conditions, such as a muddy yard, or if it has a tendency to lick its paws. Poor nutrition also can make dogs more likely to develop a nail fungus, as they may have a weakened immune system due to lack of nutrients.

    Detection

    • Nail fungus in dogs can be difficult to detect. If you notice any changes in your dog's nails, or if the nail bed or paw area looks crusty or is missing hair, talk to your veterinarian to determine if it might be a fungus.

    Treatment

    • Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help take care of the fungus. For a topical treatment, you can use an antimicrobial or antifungal spray. You also can try a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water; combine equal parts of each, and swab onto the affected areas. Do not use this solution if there are any sores on your dog's feet.

    Prevention

    • Keep your dog's feet clean and dry. If it spends time outside, especially in muddy areas, rinse its feet thoroughly and then dry them; try to deter your dog from chewing or licking its feet. Keep the nails short, carefully trim long hair around them, and make sure your dog gets regular veterinary care.