My dog constantly bites her nails. She never bites them enough to make herself bleed, but she enjoys chewing on them when she is bored and ALWAYS just before she goes to sleep for the night. She will always stop for about a minute when someone puts thier hand on her, or starts to pet her.
I was curious if this may be a medical issue or just a compulsive behaviour.... any ideas?
2007-02-24 13:12:30 · 8 answers · asked by bpbjess 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Before we call your pet "crazy", let's make sure there is no medical reasoning behind this. Although anxiety and boredom make up the majority of these issues in pets, she could also have an infection in her nail beds or even allergies. Some dogs show signs of allergies by itchy feet and ears. Either way, you should probably see your veterinarian. If she continues to lick constantly, she can get sores on her feet called lick granulomas.
One thing to try - if she is interested enough (some dogs aren't as entertained), go to the local pet store and get some puzzle toys such as a Kong. With the Kong, you can fill it up with some of the flavored paste the store sells or even just take a spoonful of peanut butter and wipe it inside the toy. This can help if it is any type of boredom or anxiety related issue. I use this for my dog when I leave for work or leave him for boarding. I hope this helps!
2007-02-24 13:26:52 · answer #1 · answered by angel_eyes 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't have to be allergies. It could be a habit also and just sometime the dog does. Benadryl can be given and if that it is an allergy it should stop unless it is already a behavioral issue. Not sure of the dosage of benadryl but any vet book should tell you. I give my dog 1/2 a pill and she is roughly 15 lbs but consult with the book. Also the benadryl will not "cure" the allegery but make the dog comfortable and not itchy. A trip to the vet would be the best idea. Wheat allergies are common in some breed of dogs (which my dog has).
2007-02-24 21:23:55 · answer #2 · answered by inkedcalf 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I doubt it is medical. Maybe boredom related. My Akita mix used to bite his nails, too. He seemed to really zone out and relax while he was doing it.
2007-02-24 22:05:32 · answer #3 · answered by renodogmom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok i have a poodle & he always bites at his nails right after he gets them shaved at the groomers but try to keep them short or put something over their feet like boots.
2007-02-24 21:46:41 · answer #4 · answered by Ashlynn E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your poor pooch has,,, hold on to your hat....
Allergies..... now the question is to what?????
My vet mentioned that, "any dog who likes or chews on their feet or nails... has allergies."
so.. as in people.. your dog is "chewing" its nails....... because her feet "itch"......
try washing her feet with warm soapy water.. and rinse them really well.. as soap can be an irritant as well..
this should help reduce the "nail biting"
2007-02-24 21:19:04 · answer #5 · answered by Boomer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dog does the same thing and it usually means that her nails are to long and need to be clipped
Ive also heard that it could be allergies. does your dog have tear stains? that would further my idea that she is allergic to something
2007-02-24 21:25:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
two of my dogs bite their nails.it never seemed to bug me,but I guess if your so worried then take your dog to the vet.
2007-02-24 21:22:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe he has allergies or stuff like that try seeing a vet.
2007-02-24 21:33:15 · answer #8 · answered by Kweng 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋