If your dog has a bad habit of chewing his nails, it can be annoying. But it can also be a sign that something is wrong.
When a dog chews its nails, it becomes a problem. Therefore, it is important to find out what is causing the problem so you can fix it.
Here are some of the most common causes and some of the things you can do to stop this frustrating behavior:
Infection
Your dog may be chewing his nails because he has some kind of infection. Your furry friend could have suffered some kind of injury to the nail, or it could have some kind of medical problem.
The area may be itchy, and nail biting may be the only way for your dog to relieve itself.
It is also possible that your dog has a parasite infestation. For example, mites can cause inflammation in your dog's nails, resulting in discomfort. This condition is called demodicosis.
Check your dog's feet for signs of infection, such as swelling, bleeding or oozing. If you see any of these signs, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Anxiety
If your dog is chewing on his nails, it may be due to anxiety. Just as some people bite their nails when they are nervous, some dogs also exhibit this behavior.
Your dog could be stressed by a change in his regular routine, causing him to start biting his nails.
In some cases, separation anxiety can cause nail biting. For example, your dog may be stressed by being left alone all day while you are at work.
If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, take him to the veterinarian. The vet may be able to recommend a remedy. We also recommend consulting a professional or dog trainer who specializes in dog behavior.
Allergies
Sometimes the cause of your dog's nail biting is an allergy. It could be some kind of allergen that has stuck to your dog's nails.
This can cause itching, which can lead to nail biting. This is a condition known as atopy, a type of allergy that often affects the paws.
Dogs with atopy (also known as atopic dermatitis) often chew their nails and lick their paws constantly.
Boredom
When your dog is bored, he can exhibit a number of behavioral problems. Boredom can cause dogs to chew on furniture or shoes, try to escape into the street, and even bite their nails.
If you must leave your dog home alone during the day, make sure he has plenty of toys to keep him occupied.
You may also want to consider taking your dog for a walk or a run before leaving him alone. If your dog is tired and happy, he may be less likely to get bored and start biting his nails.
The nails are too long; it's time to trim them!
The problem with your dog chewing his nails could be as simple as the nails being too long.If you can hear the "tac tac" of your dog's nails on the floor, it's a sign that they need a good trim.
You can buy nail clippers for your dog's nails at any pet store.
If you are not 100% confident that you can cut them safely and effectively, leave the job to a professional groomer.
If you suspect that your dog is biting his nails because of a medical problem, do not hesitate to see your veterinarian. Alternatively, if it seems to be a behavioral issue, you may want to consider consulting with a professional dog trainer.
We hope this article has been informative and helpful. Please feel free to share it with others, and if you have any questions, please leave a comment below.