Unhealthy Dog Nails: Causes and Treatment

Unhealthy dog nails

If you notice yellowing, reddening, swelling, or pus discharge from your dog’s nail, it is a clear indication of underlying issues like an autoimmune disease, bacterial and fungal infections, or poor diet. Addressing the problem early can prevent complications and save money on vet fees.

In this article, we explain signs to look out for, the causes of an unhealthy nail, and what you can do to help your dog.

Signs of dog nail problems

These signs differentiate a healthy nail from an unhealthy one.

Healthy vs unhealthy dog nails

• Color: Healthy dog nails are usually a consistent color: white, black, or brown, depending on the breed. If visible, the nail bed should appear pink. On the other hand, nails that have turned red or yellow indicate a bacterial or fungal infection or other health problems.
• Texture: Healthy nails are smooth and hard without cracks, splits, or jagged edges. Unhealthy dog nails are brittle, cracked, or flaky. They might also have rough edges or an unusual thickness.
• Length: Healthy dog nails are typically short enough that they don’t touch the ground when the dog is standing. Overgrown nails curl into the paw pads, leading to pain, infections, or difficulty walking.
• Shape: Healthy dog nails are slightly curved but not excessively twisted or curled. Abnormally twisted, deformed, or curled nails are signs of underlying issues.
• Discharge: Unhealthy dog nails have pus, blood, or any other discharge around the nail bed. On the other hand, healthy dog nail beds are clean and dry.
• Odor: Healthy dog nails have no noticeable odor. A foul smell from the nails signals infection, especially if combined with other symptoms like swelling or discharge.
• Pain or sensitivity: Healthy nails should not cause your dog any discomfort.  If your dog shows signs of pain when their paws or nails are touched, it could be due to an unhealthy nail condition. 

You should see your dog's vet if you notice any changes in the nails, such as persistent discoloration, brittleness, flaking, discharge (pus or blood) around the nail bed, swelling, redness, limping, an unusual odor, or consistent pain and sensitivity.

Dogs with a broken nail

A dog’s nail can break when it catches on something, running on rough surfaces, or due to improper trimming. It’s painful and needs immediate vet attention to prevent infection or further injury. 

If your dog has a broken nail, you will notice it limping, avoiding weight on the affected paw, excessive licking or chewing, and visible signs like bleeding, swelling, or the nail hanging at an odd angle. 

If the nail is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or use styptic powder to help stop the bleeding before taking the dog to the vet.

Dogs with infected nail bed

If a broken nail is left untreated, it can lead to an infected nail bed. Note that an infected nail bed can also be caused by an allergy or autoimmune disease. The signs to look out for are redness, pus discharge, and a foul odor around the nail.

Causes of unhealthy dog nails

Unhealthy dog nails have many causes. It can range from lack of proper nail care to autoimmune diseases (Systemic Lupoid Onychodystrophy and pemphigus), poor diet, infections (bacterial, fungal, or yeast), hormonal imbalance (hypothyroidism), and trauma (broken, torn, or caught nails).

Lack of proper nail care

Not trimming your dog’s nails often enough, or trimming them the wrong way, can lead to overgrown, ingrown, or split nails. Overgrown nails can curl into the paw pad and cause pain and infection. On the other hand, trimming your dog’s nails too short can cause bleeding and pain.

Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases like systemic lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO—a type of lupus) and pemphigus occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks normal and healthy cells. Depending on the part of the body being attacked, these diseases can lead to various health problems.

In the case of SLO, the immune system targets the nail beds, leading to brittle nails that eventually fall off. In pemphigus, the immune system attacks the skin and mucous membranes, causing blisters and sores.

Poor diet

Essential nutrients like biotin, zinc, and fatty acids are important for strong, healthy nails. If your dog isn’t getting enough of these nutrients, their nails can become weak and split more easily.

Infections

Bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections can cause serious nail problems. They can make the nails soft, discolored, and even smell bad. 

Bacterial infections are often secondary, meaning that they develop due to an underlying condition like allergies, trauma, or an ingrown nail. For instance, when a dog licks or chews at its irritated skin or when a nail is damaged, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. 

Early signs of infection include redness, swelling, pus around the nail bed, pain, and discomfort.

Hormone issues

Hormonal imbalances, such as low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism), can affect how a dog’s nails grow. When hormones are out of balance, the nails may grow more slowly, become weaker, and be more likely to break.

Environment factor

Constant exposure to wet, dirty, or rough surfaces can weaken nails and make them more likely to break or become infected. That is why dogs that spend a lot of time in damp or muddy areas have softer and more fragile nails.

Genetics

Some dog breeds, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Doberman Pinschers, Dachshunds, Boxers, and Jack Russell Terriers, are born with thinner and more brittle nails, making them more prone to nail problems. These breeds require extra care to prevent nail breakage and splitting.

Physical injuries

Physical injuries can cause nails to break or splinter. For example, if a dog's nail gets caught on something or trimmed too short, the nails can break, split, or even tear off completely. 

Repeated injuries from walking on rough surfaces or from nails being too long can also weaken the nails over time.

Aging

As dogs age, their nails become more brittle and easier to break, even with normal activities.

Treatment of unhealthy dog nails

Treatment depends on the cause of the unhealthy dog nails. Antibiotics and pain relief are given for bacterial infection, topical treatment for fungal infection, and immune-suppressing drugs for autoimmune diseases. If your dog needs nutritional support or has diabetes, it’s likely your vet will create a special diet plan.

Antibiotics

If an unhealthy nail is due to a bacterial infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. This is necessary when there is pus, swelling, or other signs of a serious infection.

Nail trimming

Regular and careful trimming of your dog’s nails reduces the risk of getting caught, broken, or ingrown. Meanwhile, avoid cutting too close to the quick (the sensitive part of the nail) to prevent pain and bleeding.

Topical antifungal medications

Antifungal topical treatments, such as creams, ointments, sprays, or medicated shampoos, are applied directly to the affected area to kill the fungus. In more severe cases, your vet may prescribe oral medications.

Immune-suppressing treatments

In autoimmune conditions like Systemic Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO) or pemphigus, your vet may recommend immune-suppressing drugs such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants. These help to reduce the immune system’s attack on the nails.

Nutritional support

Improving your dog’s diet and adding supplements such as biotin, zinc, and fatty acids (like omega-3) to their meals can promote healthier nail growth and improve overall nail strength.

Foot soaks

A foot soak in an antiseptic solution can help reduce bacteria and soothe the skin around the nails for dogs with inflamed or infected nails. This is especially useful for dogs that often lick or chew their paws due to irritation.

Avoiding trauma

Use dog boots during walks on rough terrain to minimize your dog's exposure to rough surfaces and protect their nails from injury.

Treat underlying health issues

If the nail problems are due to an underlying health condition, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes, managing that condition is key to improving nail health. Your vet will tailor a treatment plan to address both the systemic issue and the nail symptoms.

Things you can do regularly to support healthy nails

Regularly trim your dog’s nails to prevent breakage, splitting, and ingrown nails. Ensure your dog’s diet is balanced and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, such as biotin, zinc, and omega-3s. Minimize exposure to rough surfaces that can cause trauma to the nails.

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In addition, regularly check your dog’s nails and paws for signs of injury, infection, or abnormalities, and schedule check-ups with the vet to monitor and address any underlying health issues.

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