Why are my dog's long nails chipping and hurting her paw pads?

It’s possible but some dogs do show a preference for chewing on one set of nails versus another. Check to make sure there is not redness on the skin or discharge between the paw pads. If you see anything like that then it could be infected and she should see the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Brittle nails or nails that split easily may be due to them being overgrown, due to nutritional imbalance, or certain diseases such as endocrine diseases like Cushing's disease. Certain autoimmune diseases like Lupoid Onychodystrophy can sometimes cause nails to become fragile and crack. I would make sure Chloe is eating a high quality commercial diet that contains fatty acids such as Omega 3 fatty acids and also vitamin E. I would also recommend having Chloe seen by her veterinarian for this as well to rule out any underlying disorders that could be contributing. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work or other diagnostics tests to help determine if any underlying cause is present. I hope this helps and thanks again for posting!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Meatball. Her toenail looks like it just needs to be trimmed back. Unless it is split or broken somewhere that I can't see from the picture, it is unlikely related to her recent bout of lameness. If she is seems to have problems with that limb after trimming her nails, then she see needs to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

NO, they will not bite them off and they can grow into the pads (which is bad). I recommend to ask your vet about an oral sedative called Gabapentin. This may help either you guys or the vets to clip her nails. It's very important to keep them from growing too long. I hope this helps.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mimi. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. There is typically a reason that the dog will drag her paws such as arthritis or a neurological problem. Her nails are getting worn to the quick which can result in bleeding. I suspect it is actually painful if she is licking them. In the meantime, she may need to wear dog booties to protect her nails on walks. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Ouch that looks very painful, and the rest of Hugo's nails look extremely overgrown. I would bring him to a vet ASAP so he can be sedated and the nails trimmed back/the affected bad nail trimmed or removed and medication given to help with pain and prevent infection.

Swelling, pain/discomfort and itch, redness, discharge of the area involved are all possible signs. From what you described it may be possible that the nail bed is infected or there may even be a comminute fracture of the last phalanx. A check up is unfortunately needed to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.