What is a split nail in dogs?
A split nail in dogs, also known as a cracked or broken nail, occurs when a dog’s nail splits or fractures. This can happen when the nail gets caught on something and pried upwards or sidewards, causing the nail to crack open. It can occur on any nail but most commonly affects the nails on the front paws. Symptoms of a split nail include:
- Visible crack or fracture in the nail
- Bleeding from the nail
- Limping or holding the paw up
- Whining or signs of pain
- Swelling around the nail
A split nail can be partial where just the outer layers are cracked open, or it can split all the way down to the quick. This causes extreme pain and bleeding as the quick contains the blood vessels and nerves. It’s important to treat a split nail right away to stop bleeding and prevent infection.
Causes of split nails in dogs
There are several common causes of split nails in dogs:
Injuries
Dogs can split nails due to injuries from trauma or overactivity. Running or playing on abrasive surfaces like concrete or asphalt can wear down nails over time and lead to splits or cracks [1]. Direct trauma from catching or snagging a nail can also cause an acute split nail.
Brittle nails
Some dogs naturally have more brittle nails that are prone to cracking and splitting, especially as they age. This is often seen in breeds with thick heavy nails like Rottweilers. Vitamin deficiencies may contribute to weak nails that split more readily.
Overgrown nails
Allowing a dog’s nails to grow too long increases the risk of splits and cracks. The longer the nail, the more likely it is to snag and tear. Overgrown nails also tend to become brittle and thin out, making them more prone to injuries.
Nutritional deficiencies
Lack of certain vitamins and nutrients can lead to weak or brittle nails in dogs. Deficiencies in nutrients like fatty acids, vitamin E, and biotin are often implicated in cases of frequent nail splits [2]. Consulting with a vet about supplements may help strengthen soft or cracking nails.
Risks of Split Nails
Split nails in dogs come with several potential risks that pet owners should be aware of. The most common risks are pain, infection, and permanent nail damage.
A split nail can be very painful for dogs, especially when the nail splits vertically down to the quick. According to Whole Dog Journal, the exposed quick contains many nerve endings, so a split nail can cause significant discomfort when walking or bearing weight on the paw. The pain may cause the dog to lick or chew at the nail, which can introduce infection.
The split in the nail also creates an opening for bacteria to enter and cause infection. According to WebMD, this can lead to swelling, redness, and discharge. An infected nail may require antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian to clear up the infection.
Finally, a severely split nail may cause permanent damage if the nail bed is torn or the quick is excessively exposed. This can prevent normal regrowth of the nail. Extensive nail damage may mean that part or all of the nail will need to be surgically removed by a veterinarian to prevent ongoing pain and infection.
Treating a split nail
When a dog’s nail splits, the first priority is stopping any bleeding. Apply pressure with a clean towel or gauze wrap directly over the nail to help stop bleeding (VCA Hospitals). Bandaging the paw with a light wrap or sock can also help control bleeding and protect the exposed nail bed.
Providing pain management is also important when treating a split nail. Over-the-counter pet-safe pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve discomfort (VCA Hospitals). Limit activity and walking on hard surfaces to prevent further pain or trauma to the exposed nail. If pain persists more than 1-2 days, veterinary treatment may be required.
Proper bandaging technique is crucial for protecting the split nail until it can regrow. Wrap the foot in gauze, self-adhesive bandage or a light sock wrap, being careful not to restrict blood flow. Change bandages daily to keep the area clean while healing. Help prevent infection by applying antibiotic ointment before re-wrapping.
Will a split nail grow out naturally?
A dog’s nails consist of an outer hard shell made of keratin and an inner quick containing nerves and blood vessels. The nail grows from the base where it attaches to the toe. As the new keratin cells are produced, the nail extends past the quick and continues growing outward.[1]
When a nail splits lengthwise but does not detach completely, the nail can often regrow on its own over time as the quick recedes and new keratin is produced. The split part of the nail will likely fall off as the new nail emerges from underneath. This process of natural regrowth usually takes 1-2 months for the nail to fully regrow depending on the severity of the original split.[2]
However, a nail that splits and detaches from the quick is less likely to regrow on its own, as the nail bed where new growth occurs may be damaged. These types of splits often require trimming of the remaining nail and medical intervention to regrow properly.[3]
Trimming and filing during regrowth
It’s important to monitor the growth of the split nail and trim it regularly as the new nail starts growing in. According to the Whole Dog Journal, trimming about once a month is a good routine for most dogs to help minimize the risk of future splits. However, the frequency may need to be higher if the nail is splitting and cracking repeatedly.
Filing any sharp edges of the split nail is also recommended to prevent it from catching or snagging and causing pain or further damage. Use an emery board or nail file to gently smooth rough edges. Be very careful not to file into the quick, which would be painful for the dog.
According to DogSplitNail.com, the new nail should be trimmed whenever the old nail that split gets long enough that it could catch on something. Keep the old nail trimmed relatively short as the new nail grows in to prevent re-injury. It may take several trim sessions over weeks or months for full regrowth of a cracked nail.
Medical Interventions
If a dog’s split nail causes severe bleeding or exposes the quick, veterinary care is often required. Prolonged bleeding that fails to clot after 10-15 minutes of pressure indicates a serious injury that necessitates medical treatment.
Depending on the severity, the vet may elect to perform nail bed cauterization to stop bleeding and prevent infection. This involves using silver nitrate or a heated probe to cauterize the wound (VCA Hospitals). Sutures may also be required to close a large nail bed laceration.
In rare cases, the nail may be damaged beyond repair and partial or full amputation is necessary. This requires general anesthesia and surgical extraction of the nail. Afterwards, antibiotics and pain control are provided.
At-home care is crucial following medical treatment of a split nail. The dog should avoid activity and have the foot bandaged until healed. Preventing licking and infection is imperative. Follow all veterinary instructions for medication administration and bandage changes.
Caring for the nail during regrowth
It’s important to properly care for your dog’s nail as it regrows after splitting to promote healing and prevent infection. Here are some tips:
Keep the area clean. Gently clean around the nail with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid getting the bandage wet. Change bandages regularly to keep the area clean according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Keeping the area clean promotes healing and prevents infection (Source: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/broken-or-split-nails/).
Use booties outside. Booties can protect the sensitive nail area from dirt and irritants while regrowing. Choose a breathable fabric bootie that won’t rub or irritate the area (Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-broken-nails-in-dogs).
Provide comfort. Your dog may experience some discomfort during regrowth. Provide soft bedding and limit activity that could bump or further irritate the nail. You can try natural supplements to help with pain relief under veterinary guidance. Keep up on pain medication as prescribed by your vet.
Preventing Future Split Nails
There are several ways to help prevent your dog’s nails from splitting in the future:
Diet
Nutrition plays an important role in nail health. According to WagWalking, nails that are splitting can be a sign of poor nutrition. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s diet to ensure they are getting adequate amounts of nutrients like fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to nail strength and flexibility.
Nail Care
Regularly trimming and filing your dog’s nails can keep them at an appropriate length and smooth out any small splits before they worsen, according to Whole Dog Journal. Ask your groomer or vet to demonstrate proper nail trimming technique. Products like vitamin E oil or moisturizing creams can also be applied to condition nails.
Monitoring Length and Health
Check your dog’s nails weekly for any splits or cracks forming, and trim promptly if they are getting too long. Long nails are more prone to catching and tearing. Also look for signs of nail brittleness and dryness. Addressing small issues early can prevent more severe splitting.
When to seek veterinary care
There are some signs that indicate your dog’s split nail requires veterinary attention:
Signs of complications like infection or abnormal healing may require medical treatment. Look for redness, swelling, discharge, or the nail not growing back properly. Prolonged limping or licking of the paw are also concerning signs (source).
Lack of improvement over several weeks may mean an underlying issue is preventing normal regrowth. Your vet can examine the nail and determine if further care is needed.
Ongoing pain, especially if your dog seems bothered when the paw is touched, could indicate a serious injury or complication. Your vet can provide pain medication and get to the root of the discomfort.
It’s a good idea to follow up with your veterinarian if the nail does not start to regrow within 2-3 weeks or if you have any concerns about infection, pain, or proper healing.