As a dog owner, you want to do everything you can to keep your pet healthy and happy. One area that many pet owners easily overlook is you dog’s nails.
It’s important for a good dog owner to monitor their dog’s paws regularly for signs of redness or irritation on the nail beds. As soon as you notice any signs of trouble, it’s a good idea to take your four-legged friend in for a veterinarian appointment so he or she can get treated accordingly!
A dog’s nails are somewhat delicate, and they can be prone to fungal or bacterial infections in some cases. Understanding an infection of the nail bed and how to prevent them will help ensure that your pooch remains healthy for years to come!
Understanding The Warning Signs of a Nail Infection in Your Dog
Your furry friend’s nails are their first point of contact with dirt, public sidewalks, mud, and sometimes infectious bacteria. This can lead to a host of different types of infections around your dog’s nails – similar to how humans can get bacterial or fungal infections in their own nails – especially toenails.
According to betterpet.com some of the warning signs of a nail bed disorders in your pup might include the following:
- Pus coming from their paws
- Bleeding from the nail bed
- Redness
- Hair loss on their paw and surrounding their paw pads
- A foul odor coming from their paws
- Limping or other sensitivity when walking or exercising
- Excessive biting or chewing of their paws
If your pup is displaying any of these symptoms, you will want to take a closer look at their paws to see if there is an issue that needs to be taken care of by a vet. Check for a broken nail, cracked nail, nail bed trauma or fungal infection of the nail. Sometimes the issue if just your dog stepped on sharp objects. Physical examination, early diagnosis and a treatment plan are of utmost importance.
Understanding The Different Types of Dog Nail Bed Infections
A nail bed infection, or onychomycosis (also known as ringworm of the nails), is one of the most common ailments affecting dogs and cats.
It’s caused by a fungal infection that spreads to the skin of your pet’s foot pads, nails and hair follicles. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments—like those found between your dog’s toes—and can grow into a thick layer of cheesy-looking spores called dermatophytes.
These fungi are highly contagious to both humans and pets; they thrive in wet conditions like bathtubs or swimming pools where dogs spend time playing with their owners. Early detection by your family veterinarian can detect this dog nail bed infection.
Once you notice signs of an onychomycosis infection, such as redness around your dog’s paws or paws that are excessively dirty despite frequent bathing sessions, consider taking him/her to see an experienced vet immediately.
These infections can spread quickly throughout his/her body without proper care! Symptoms include paw licking due to pain caused by constricting rings around each toe; scaly skin growths under each nail tip (these will fall off over time if left untreated); discoloration due to thickening underneath all four feet due from constant exposure through walking outdoors barefoot every day during summer months (dogs love being outside!).
Wagwalking.com also warns that if you “notice that there is a claw or claws of your dog that appears to be growing abnormally and curving or any other symptoms of a condition with their paw or claw, you will want to contact your veterinarian and schedule an examination of your dog.”
When in doubt, contact a veterinarian.
Bacterial Claw Infection
A bacterial claw infection or nail bed infection is caused by contact with bacteria that gets into your dog’s skin through cuts or damage around the nail fold or cuticle. While this particular infection doesn’t usually cause serious health concerns, it can be annoying for your pup.
If your dog has a bacterial claw infection, you will likely see the following signs:
- Swelling at or near the base of the nail.
- Painful limping or reluctance to stand on affected feet.
- Redness and swelling in the skin around the nail bed.
- A foul smell from the area around your dog’s nails (this is not always present).
Fungal Nail Infections in Dogs
Fungal nail infections are caused by a fungus that grows in the dog’s nail bed. This type of infection is difficult to treat, but it can be done.
Fungal nail infections are often caused by trauma or injury to the nail bed. These types of infections should be treated swiftly with expert help from a Vet.
Your vet will most likely recommend that you soak your dog’s paws in a medicated bath or apply a topical antifungal medication or cream to the affected area.
Fungal nail infections in dogs will most likely clear in 3-4 weeks with proper care and a swift and accurate diagnosis.
Prevention Tips for Keeping Nail Bed Infections at Bay
While you can’t stop your dog from being a dog and walking outside barefoot and tromping through dirt and mud, there are some things you can do to better their chances of avoiding a nail bed infection.
Here are some of our favorite tips for keeping your pup’s nails clean:
- Keep your pup’s nails short and clean. Use a nail clipper, not scissors, to trim your dog’s nails and avoid cutting them too close to the quick. If you have trouble with this step, ask your vet for help or take your dog to a groomer who understands how to cut a dog’s nails properly.
- Use a dog nail file after clipping each nail so that it smooths out any rough edges while removing dirt and debris from under the nails.
- Brush underneath each nail with a small brush or toothbrush (with no soap) daily once they are trimmed regularly; this helps remove dirt from between them, which can cause infection.
Monitor Your Pups Paws and Do Weekly Inspections for Any Warning Signs
It’s important to monitor your dog’s paws regularly to ensure they are healthy and free of infection. You should check for cuts and scrapes, make sure their nails are trimmed, and keep an eye out for signs of infection at least once per week. If you notice any issues with your dog’s paws, take them to the vet immediately.
By addressing any problem, you see right away and keeping a regular schedule for checks and nail maintenance and care; your pup will be able to steer clear of any infections.
If your dog still gets an infection despite your best efforts, don’t blame yourself! These sorts of things happen, just like how we as humans get sick despite our best efforts.
NAIL BED Treatment options include:
- Topical treatments
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antifungal therapy
- Oral antibiotics
- Immunosuppressive therapy
- Surgical removal of the affected nail (in rare case)
For more information about all things dog, dog care, and training, please check out our blog.
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