When a dog bites its nails, it becomes a problem. Therefore, it is important to find out what is causing the problem in order to solve 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 could be chewing its nails because it may have some kind of infection. Your furry companion might have suffered some kind of injury to the nail, or it might have some kind of medical problem.
The area in question could be itchy, and nail biting could be the only way for the dog to relieve itself.
There is also the possibility that your dog has been infected by a parasite. For example, mites can cause inflammation in your dog's nails, resulting in discomfort. This condition is known as demodicosis.
Check your dog's paws for any 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 chews its nails, anxiety could be the cause. Just as some humans bite their nails when they are nervous, some dogs also exhibit this behavior.
Your dog could be stressed by a change in its regular routine, leading it to start biting its nails.
In some cases, separation anxiety can cause nail biting. For instance, your dog could be experiencing stress from being left alone all day while you are at work.
If you suspect that your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, take it to the vet. The vet will be able to recommend a remedy, and we also suggest consulting a professional or canine educator specializing in canine behavior.
Allergies
There are times when the cause of your dog's nail chewing 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, which is a type of allergy that often affects the paws.
Dogs with atopy (also known as atopic dermatitis) will frequently chew their nails and continuously lick their paws.
Boredom
If your dog is bored, it may exhibit a range of behavioral problems. Boredom can lead dogs to chew on furniture or shoes, attempt to escape into the street, and even engage in nail biting.
If you have to leave your dog alone at home during the day, make sure it has plenty of toys to keep it occupied.
You may also want to consider taking your dog for a walk or a run before leaving it alone. If your dog is tired and content, there may be less chance of it getting bored to the point of biting its nails.
The nails are too long; it's time to trim them!
The problem with your dog chewing its 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 ground, it's a sign that they need a good trim.
You can purchase nail scissors 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 dog groomer.
If you suspect that your dog is biting its nails due to a medical problem, do not hesitate to visit your veterinarian. Alternatively, if it seems to be a behavioral issue, you may consider consulting with a professional dog trainer.
We hope that this post has been informative and helpful. Please feel free to share it with others, and if you have any questions, leave us a comment below.