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Help! My Dog is Chewing Her Nails

Chihuahua sitting on a white blanket chewing its own paw

He’s back at it with that annoying habit. Your dog is chewing and biting on his nails again! While such behavior is typically considered an inconvenience in humans, our dogs may also be ardent nail biters! But why is this the case? Should you be concerned?

This, like other stressful circumstances that impact our pets, may have a simple remedy, or it may be more problematic and challenging to treat. Here are several frequent causes of dogs biting and chewing their nails excessively, most of which may be safely and promptly treated at home. But don’t relax your guard too quickly; some of the probable reasons may necessitate a trip to the vet for medicines and a more extensive course of therapy or behavior modification. Let’s have a look at the options.

Why is My Dog Biting His Nails?

Black puppy laying upside down on a hardwood floor chewing its paw

Here are a few reasons why your dog maybe chewing on their nails:

Your Dog’s Nails Are Too Long:

Your dog could gnaw his nail because it is too long, and he tries to get rid of it.

What should the length of my dog’s nails be?

When the puppy stands still, the nails should clear the ground.

It’s time to cut your puppy’s nails if you hear him clicking on the kitchen floor. Some dogs’ nails break naturally when walking, but if your dog is gnawing on them, this is not the case.

You can always clip your dog’s nails yourself, or if that is too difficult, take him to a groomer or doctor to get it done for you.

Broken Nails: Is it Occasional or Frequent? It Might Be Important:

Person holding dogs paw and examining the dogs nail

Broken nails irritate dogs just as much as they do people. While we may trim away the jagged bits of our damaged nails, our four-legged companions will attempt to gnaw away at them. Not only may this disease cause severe discomfort in your dog, but the germs in his mouth can also produce an unsightly infection or a hot spot.

Use clippers to remove the damaged area of the nail if you see your dog gnawing on a broken nail and feel comfortable. Another solution is to bring your pet to the veterinarian or groomer.

Allergies Cause Itchiness:

Fluffy brown, tan and white puppy scratching its chin with its hind leg

Allergies may affect dogs in the same way that they do humans. The primary difference is that they do not have the same level of protection that humans do. Your puppy will pass out of your paws quickly when you are allergic to something around you.

Anything from pollen to grass might fall under this category. When they make touch, the skin on their paws may become inflamed and uncomfortable.

To alleviate the discomfort, your dog will begin to chew on its feet in a frenzy. Most of the time, your pet isn’t even aiming for the nails.

They might be attempting to reach the skin between the toes or on the paw. Their nails may just become entangled in the melee.

If left untreated, your dog’s teeth might get infected and begin to bleed. This can eventually lead to an undesirable illness. It is advised that you take your puppy to the vet for an allergy test and prophylactic measures.

Infections Caused by Fungi and Bacteria:

Open sore between two toes on a dogs paw

Many of the symptoms of infection are similar to those of an allergic response. The paws of your dog may become red, bloated, and itching. In extreme situations, you may even detect drainage at the location of the infection.

Infections in dogs can occur from a variety of causes. They can become infected with fungi via decaying wood or contaminated soil. It’s a particular event given their penchant for digging in stinky soil. Bacterial infections can be caused by a variety of factors, including insect bites.

When an infection starts, it can spread fast. The paw of your dog is an ideal habitat for development. The region has skin folds, receives little sun exposure, and retains moisture. Infections, however, are generally straightforward to treat with the right medicines.

Dog Could Be Anxious:

Dogs nose and paws poking out from under a bed

Some dogs are neurotic, while others are nervous. Your dog may chew on his nails to relieve anxiety caused by separation anxiety or concern about his environment. Anxiety is commonly manifested by nail chewing, defecating in the house, and disruptive activity.

Anxiety might lead your dog to grind his teeth and gnaw on his nails. In other cases, something as simple as a dog barking too loudly outdoors or fireworks may agitate a dog to the point where he develops a compulsive habit that he resorts to whenever he is afraid.

Dog biting can also be caused by separation anxiety. While you’re gone, your dog may chew on his nails, feet, and skin instead of sleeping. He’s nervous, bored, and longs for you. To combat his boredom and moderate bouts of separation anxiety, try leaving him ropes, balls, and especially reward dispensers. Perhaps a raw-hide bone to gnaw on would be beneficial, so he could bite it instead of his nails.

Nervousness or Plain Boredom:

Boston terrier puppy laying flat on a shiny white floor

Many of the reasons why humans gnaw their nails apply equally to dogs. Dogs are sophisticated creatures with the same spectrum of emotions as humans. To cope with worry or stress, dogs may begin to gnaw their nails. It’s a method for them to cope with the situation and find solace.

Alternatively, they might be doing it out of boredom. In any case, the nail-biting reacts to how they feel. Therefore, you must address the issue front on.

Most of the time, nail-biting is accompanied by other undesirable habits. This might involve gnawing on household things, constant barking, and accidents. Nail-biting usually occurs after you’ve confined them in a crate or left them alone for the day while you go to work.

It is indeed a brilliant idea to provide them with activities that will occupy their time and keep them entertained. There are several excellent toys available that are meant to occupy young minds and avoid boredom or worry.

In Conclusion

Close up portrait of a Golden retriever biting its paw

“Why does my dog morsel his nails?” To answer the question There are several reasons why your canine companion bites or chews on his nails excessively. It is acceptable to say. Some are typically innocuous, but others may lead to serious, expert physical or behavioral problems.

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