Have you ever noticed your dog biting their nails? It may seem like a harmless habit, but it could be a sign of an underlying problem. This article will explore why dogs bite their nails and what it could mean for their health.

Just like humans, dogs can experience stress and anxiety, leading to nervous habits such as nail biting and chewing things. Keeping a dog’s paws in good health is vital, so if you notice any chewing of the nails, make sure to put a protective paw balm on the paw pads and check their nails for issues. This behavior can also signify boredom or frustration, especially if your dog is not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation.

In some cases, dogs may develop a condition called onychophagia, a compulsive disorder that causes them to bite their nails excessively. To obtain solid answers on why dogs bite their nails, we have gathered information on how to approach compulsive dog behavior.

So, Why Does My Dog Bite His Nails?

Dogs may bite out of boredom, stress, depression, discomfort, habit, and grooming. Sometimes, it can also be a sign of an underlying health issue or problems like infected, itchy, broken, or overgrown nails. There may also be something irritating or lodged in the nail.

Paying attention to the frequency and intensity of your dog’s nail chewing is essential. Nail chewing becomes a cause of concern when accompanied by signs of discomfort.

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One reason why dogs may bite their nails is due to anxiety or stress. Dogs experience stress, too, and like humans, they do not know how to cope other than turn to their paws and nails. This can be caused by leaving them alone when we go to work, change in their environment, such as a move to a new home, or when they are afraid you are giving all your attention to the new dog in the house.

Another reason why dogs may bite their nails is due to boredom. Dogs that are not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation may resort to biting their nails or chewing their paws as a way to pass the time.

Providing your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation eliminates boredom in dogs, leaving no room for unwanted behavior. Playing hide and seek, allowing your dog to sniff out their food, and puzzle toys are great ways to provide mental exercise for your dog. Dogs with allergies or skin conditions may bite their nails to relieve itching or discomfort.

If you notice your dog biting their nails excessively or showing other signs of discomfort, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Note: Dogs may chew on their nails simply because they are a little long, and this could be normal grooming behavior. It could just mean that it’s time to trim your dog’s nails.

Medical Reasons Behind Dog Nail Biting

Dogs may bite their nails for various medical reasons. Here are some possible explanations:

Allergies

Dogs can develop allergies to various substances, including food, pollen, and dust. Allergic reactions can cause itching and discomfort, leading dogs to bite their nails to relieve the itchiness.

Stress

Stress can cause dogs to engage in various behaviors when trying to cope. Change in environment, loud music, separation anxiety, and fear are some of the reasons your dog may experience stress. Dogs may turn to nail biting as a way to keep calm.

Overgrown Nails

Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and pain as they push the toes into unnatural angles when the dog stands, leading dogs to bite their nails to relieve the discomfort. This is probably one of the more common reasons dogs bite their nails.

Parasites

Fleas, ticks, mites, and other parasites can irritate a dog’s skin, causing itching and discomfort. This irritation can lead to nail-biting to tolerate the pain.

Foreign Objects

Sometimes, dogs may get foreign objects stuck in their paws, such as thorns or splinters. This can cause pain and discomfort, leading to nail biting and paw chewing to relieve the pain.

Nail Infections

Nail infections can cause pain and discomfort, leading dogs to bite their nails to alleviate the discomfort.

Pododermatitis

This is the inflammation of the skin of the paw. It is characterized by lesions or ulcers on the bottom of an animal’s feet, particularly the pads or soles. One of the most common causes of pododermatitis is prolonged pressure on the feet.

This can happen when an animal is kept in unsanitary or inappropriate housing conditions. Obesity, poor diet, and genetic predisposition are other causes of pododermatitis.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Some dogs may develop obsessive-compulsive disorder, leading them to engage in repetitive behaviors like nail biting.

Yeast & Fungal Infection

Yeast infections, also known as yeast dermatitis, are caused by overgrowth of yeast on the skin. It is caused by moisture and warmth, especially when the dog has folded skin, allergies, and a weak immune system. It can cause itching and discomfort, leading dogs to bite their nails to alleviate the discomfort.

Dogs also get a variety of nail fungus infections (onychomycosis) that can cause discomfort in the nails, causing them to chew on the claws or nails.

Acral Lick Dermatitis

Acral lick dermatitis, also known as lick granuloma, is a skin condition that can cause dogs to lick and bite at one area of the leg excessively. Severe acral lick dermatitis can cause dogs to excessively lick and chew their paws and may extend to the nail bed, leading to hair loss and skin damage.

Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infections in dogs can occur in various parts of the body including in the nail bed, causing pain and discomfort, leading them to bite their nails to alleviate the discomfort. Bacterial infections like Actinomycosis and Nocardiosis can affect your dog’s paw, leading to excessive biting as they try to cope with the discomfort.

Atopic and Contact Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. It often runs in families and is associated with allergies, asthma, and hay fever.

On the other hand, Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an irritant or allergen. There are two main types: irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Atopic and contact dermatitis are skin conditions that can cause itching and discomfort, leading dogs to bite their nails to alleviate the discomfort.

Broken or Damaged Nails

Broken or damaged nails can cause pain and discomfort if untreated, leading dogs to bite their nails as a way to tolerate the discomfort.

Interdigital Furuncle

Interdigital furuncle is a skin condition that is characterized by deep sores between the dog’s nails. This condition causes pain and discomfort, leading dogs to bite their nails to soothe the pain.

Preventing and Treating Nail Biting

Regular Grooming

Regular grooming is one of the most effective ways to prevent nail biting in dogs. Investing in a quality nail clipper to keep your dog’s nails trimmed and filed can reduce the urge to bite and scratch at them.

Pet owners can groom or take their dogs to a professional groomer. Regular brushing and bathing can also help keep a dog’s coat and skin healthy, reducing the likelihood of skin irritation and nail-biting.

Behavioral Training

Behavioral training can also be an effective way to prevent dogs from compulsive dog behavior. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding good behavior through treats and praises.

This can help dogs learn to control their urge to bite their nails. Owners can also try distracting their dogs with toys or treats when they start biting their nails.

Medical Treatments

In some cases, nail biting in dogs may indicate an underlying medical condition. If a dog’s nail biting is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms, such as redness or swelling, it is important to consult a veterinarian. Medical treatments, such as medication, may be necessary to treat the underlying condition and stop the nail-biting behavior.

Overall, preventing and treating nail-biting in dogs requires a combination of regular grooming, behavioral training, and medical treatments when necessary. Pet owners can help their dogs overcome this frustrating behavior with patience and consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I get my dog to stop chewing his nails?

There are several ways to discourage your dog from chewing his nails. One way is to keep his nails trimmed regularly so there are fewer nails to chew on. You can also provide your dog with plenty of chew toys to keep him occupied and distract him from their nails. If your dog is chewing his nails due to anxiety or stress, you may want to consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to address the underlying cause.

Why do dogs bite their nails at night?

Dogs may bite their nails at night for the same reasons they do during the day. However, some dogs may be more prone to nail biting at night if they are experiencing anxiety or restlessness. If your dog is biting his nails excessively at night, it may be a sign that he is not getting enough exercise during the day or is experiencing some form of stress or anxiety.

Can dogs bite their nails off?

While dogs can bite their nails off, it is not common. Dogs may bite their nails down to the quick, which can be painful and may cause bleeding. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed regularly is important to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort or injury.

Do dogs trim their nails?

No, dogs do not trim their nails. However, active dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors may naturally wear their nails down through regular activity. Most dogs need regular nail trimming to keep their nails at a healthy length.

What does it mean when a dog is biting their toes?

Biting at the toes can be a sign of several different issues, including allergies, skin infections, or anxiety. If your dog is chewing their toes excessively, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

What if a dog’s nails are too long?

If your dog’s nails are too long, they can cause discomfort and injury. Long nails can also make it difficult for your dog to walk or run properly. It is crucial to trim your dog’s nails regularly or have them trimmed by a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dogs biting their nails is an expected behavior that various factors can cause. It may signify boredom, anxiety, or a medical condition. However, in most cases, it is a harmless behavior that can be managed with proper care and attention.

Pet owners should be aware of their dog’s behavior and note any changes in their behavior. If a dog is biting their nails excessively or showing signs of discomfort, it is essential to seek the advice of a veterinarian. They can help identify any underlying medical conditions and provide the necessary treatment.

Pet owners can provide plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention to prevent dogs from biting their nails. They can also ensure their dog’s nails are trimmed regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort.

Overall, understanding the reasons behind a dog’s nail-biting behavior and taking the necessary steps to address it can help ensure a happy and healthy relationship between a pet owner and their furry companion.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.