Why are my dog's nails short? Is it bad growth or vitamin deficiency?

Considering your suspicion I suspect those spots are completely normal and are part of the normal growing process of the nails. I would not be worried, you will notice that nails consistency and colour probably will change with time during the first year of age.

Dogs do shed their nails, especially if they grow too long. As long as there is no blood, your dog isn't in pain, or there isn't a sign of infection, I don't think it's anything to worry about. You can get dog specific nail trimmers from a pet shop to help keep them from getting too long.

It looks like she is just biting off the outer shell of the nail, which can shed in some cases. Because she is nibbling them she is likely causing a little more shedding than normal. I wouldn't worry too much as long as she is not damaging the nail bed or quick of the nails themselves.

Just like people, dogs' nails are constantly growing. Some dogs require nail trims as often as every 2 weeks, but if a dog spends more time walking on concrete, they may be able to go several months between nail trims. Concrete acts as a bit of a nail file, so the abrasive surface can help to file nails on dogs of all sizes. Since you're nervous about clipping Kiki's nails, you may want to try using a Dremel to help file them. Some dogs are afraid of the loud noise, but others are more agreeable to this than clipping - the only way to find out is to give it a shot. Since you're uncomfortable clipping her nails at home, the only other option is to continue taking Kiki either to a groomer or a vet every few weeks/months to have her nails clipped. There's a blood vessel (often referred to as the quick) inside of each nail, which is what can bleed if it's nicked. You can use styptic powder from the pet store to help cauterize any mild bleeding that may occur, which is the same thing that your vet would likely use. More intensive cautery is rarely needed for nail trims. It's extremely uncommon for vets to intentionally cut the nails back short enough that they'd all bleed because this is extremely painful and largely considered to be unnecessary. Sticking with frequent trimmings is enough to gradually help the quicks to become a bit shorter.

You might consider a supplement with both collagen and biotin. Collagen is a pure protein that will provide your dog with more energy while improving things like hip function, joint function, and mobility. Biotin is commonly known as vitamin H. It is necessary for a dog’s growth, digestion and muscle function. These ingredients work together to strengthen nails, improve skin and coat conditions, and prevent skin allergies.

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!

Some dogs do like to chew on their nails themselves, but it really is good practice to cut your dogs nails once every 4-8 weeks, depending on how quickly they grow. This will help keep them short so that they don't get snagged in things and injured in the process. However, use your best judgement, if the nails are not long, then don't cut them until they are. Best of luck with your pet D. Take care! : )