problem with dog chewing off nail

My neighbor called me over to look at they're dobie/shepard mix (excuse spelling) whom had chewed off the outer shell of his nails. He already chewed off 6 of them. I have never heard of anything like this and was hoping that one of you could shed some light on this situation.

Thanks in advance,
Blacksheep

 

Some dogs are nailbiters out of boredom. In fact, most are to the point it becomes a type of "obsession". Although the dog's nails are rarely chewed to the point that harm is done (most dogs won't purposefully cause pain to themselves), they will just continue to chew & chew & chew etc.

The owners need to get the dog active....keep it busy. Then when at rest & at nights, they need to work with him on it just like they would work with him if he was laying there chewing up shoes. Redirection is a big role.

 

It in itself is not a problem but I did know a dog that chewed at its foot all day long to the point it literally ate its own foot and had to have a leg amputated. Not to sound gruesome or what have you....just stating the EXTREME of what could happen if left untreated (unexcersised).

 

Sounds like a frustration thing doesn't it? If a habit is formed it sticks
.

 

the dog gets a lot of excercise, that's not the problem. I'm over here right now trying to load up pictures of a couple of nails that he already chewed off. He's has a halo around his head to keep him from getting at it, but when he does he just eats the nail right off. any more feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

they need to have the dog tested for allergies. usualy when a dog chews or scratches this much it is allergies. they can do a blood test and find out what they are allergic to ie different foods, grasses, trees, bugs etc..

 

Here are is a pic of one of the nails that he chewed off

 

I soooo second this. Sassy has chewed her"thumb" nail off on many occasions! I have taken her to the vet, and he finds no problem with it that could be causing her to do this(like it hurting, etc) He told me the same thing-boredom.

To this day, when I see her starting to chew and pull, I try to get her to stop(She's too old for walking, her joints hurt) I give her cookies, etc.

It sounds nasty(crunchy) and looks painful, but I guess it's not really bothering her. I just have to keep it clean when she does it, and try to disract her rom doing it!

 

I would get allergy tests done first and foremost as stated in earlier posts. Also make sure his nails are kept cut and short so that they dont bother him. Many people dont realize that for some reason dobies nails grow very quick. i have a female that use to chew hers and still does on occasion. We tested her n all and come to find out i just needed to cut them more often i have to cut her nails every week if not sooner, no questions asked on it otherwise she goes back to chewing on them. If that happens i cut em and she doesnt mess with them.

 

Check his paws for "bronzing". If he is chewing at his feet, it could definitely be a sign of allergies. But it will also run you upwards of $3,000 for testing & whatnot. So I advise beginning testing of your own. Begin a Benadryl regimen for him twice a day to help w/itching (if that's the cause) & monitor him. It will take about a week for you to see if that is helping or not.

As for what to do now, try spraying some Bitter Apple spray on his feet. If that doesn't work (I have a dog that loves the stuff), then buy some spray deodorant (Baby Powder Secret or Right Guard work great) & spray his feet with it. Not only will he smell fresh , but it should deter him for a while.

 

thanks for the replies and for the help. Everyone