Like humans, sometimes dogs bite their nails. This can be for a number of reasons, from grooming to a medical issue, and many dog owners are left wondering if they should worry.
My dog, Dixie, sometimes chews her nails after a walk, which is part of her "tidying up" routine. Initially, it worried me, but she wasn't doing any damage so I let her attend to herself.
On the other hand, if she's due a nail clipping and her nails are getting too long sometimes she will try to take care of the matter herself. Trimming her nails with one of the best dog nail clippers tends to fix the issue.
But when should owners be concerned about nail biting? I spoke to vet Dr. Kelly Hood to hear what she has to say on the matter.
Why do dogs bite their nails?
Here are some common reasons why a dog might bite their nails:
1. Boredom
If your pooch doesn't have enough to keep them entertained, such as access to the best dog toys, chews or regular walks, they may develop a nail-biting habit for something to do.
2. Overgrown nails
Overgrown nails can be very uncomfortable for your dog and if left too long can hinder their movement and cause issues further up the leg.
3. Allergies
Some dogs, like people, have allergies. They can pick up irritants like pollen on their paws and chew their nails to try to ease the itch. If you're wondering how to help a dog with allergies, we've got a guide that can help.
4. Nail bed infection
Very uncomfortable for the dog, also known as paronychia, sometimes bacteria or yeasts can infiltrate the nail bed and begin to grow. One of the key signs is nail-biting, but you might also notice that the area is hot, swollen, and oozing blood and/or puss.
5. Generalized irritation
Sometimes, you just really need to scratch an itch, even though it doesn't have an obvious cause. This happens to dogs too!
Is it normal for a dog to chew their nails?
I asked Dr. Hood when owners should be concerned about nail biting, and when a vet needs to get involved.
"Don’t worry if the nail chewing is occasional, it can be a part of your dog's routine grooming habits," she says. "However, frequent or excessive chewing could mean there is a problem. If you notice redness, swelling, bleeding or any signs of pain, such as limping or holding the paw up, visit your local vet to check for allergies, infections or nail issues that may need treatment."
Should I let my dog chew on their paws?
Paws and therefore nails come into contact with all sorts of things as your dog explores the world, and sometimes those things will be less desirable.
From roads gritted to prevent ice to spilled oil from cars, if you walk over it, the likelihood is that it'll be on their paws when you get home. This is why it's important to give them a wipe down when you come in from a walk, especially if your dog is likely to try and clean themselves up.
While chewing nails isn't always an issue in itself, what your dog may ingest when they are licking their paws should be a consideration. So, should you try to prevent the behavior when you see it? I asked Dr. Hood.
"Don’t let your dog chew on their paw frequently. That isn’t normal and can signal issues such as allergies, dry skin, parasites or discomfort," she says. "Excessive licking or chewing can cause the paw to get irritated or infected. If your dog is often chewing their paws, check for redness or swelling and consult a vet."
Dr. Hood advises how to encourage your dog to stop biting their nails and discourage them from starting in the first place.
"To avoid paw and nail chewing, clean your dog's paws regularly. You can also add moisturizing balms and address any underlying conditions that can help prevent the habit. Be sure to trim your dog's nails regularly so they don't become overgrown or become a risk for breakage, which can be painful."
You might also want to read: How do you clip a dog's nails?
Dr. Kelly Hood began her vet journey as a kennel assistant, eventually graduating from North Carolina State Veterinary College. Now practicing small animal general and urgent care in Hampton Roads, she's also an in-house expert at PetPortraits and Calafornia Dog Kitchen, sharing her vet advice.
Edited by Megan Milstead.
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This page was last updated on March 14.
