Dog nail infections are pretty common. This is why dog nail care is so important – it can help to keep paws clean and free from harmful germs and bacteria. Yet even with great paw grooming, infected dog nails still happen. All nails are susceptible to infections, including the dewclaw at the side of the foot. They must be treated promptly before the bacteria or fungi spread and multiply.
Here we look at the different types of dog nail infections, common symptoms to look out for, and treatment options. We also share preventative tips so your dog doesn’t have to suffer ever again.
You might be wondering what an infected dog nail looks like. Thankfully, there are many symptoms to look out for that make it apparent something is wrong. If you spot any of the below signs, consider calling your vet and scheduling an appointment:
There are two main types of dog nail infections: bacterial infections and fungal infections. Both can cause an infected dewclaw or infect any other of your dog’s nails. In the below sections, we share the causes, potential risks, and treatment options for both.
Bacterial dog nail infections usually happen when there is a small wound near the nail bed. Harmful bacteria can easily contaminate this small cut and cause an infection. Dogs can also get bacterial infections from chewing on their nails. Their mouths are full of bacteria, which are transferred into the open wound through licking and chewing.
No matter what the cause, it is vital to get bacterial dog nail bed infection treated promptly. If it is left to worsen, the infection can spread to other areas of their body. This can lead to health complications such as bone infections or osteomyelitis. Keep an eye out for signs of swollen paws, discolored nails, and other symptoms listed above, and call your vet if you think the nail is infected.
Your vet needs to take a sample from your dog’s infected nail to see what bacteria is present. Most bacterial infections require antibiotic treatment. Mild infections can usually be treated with a topical antibiotic treatment combined with paw soaks. However, if the infection has progressed beyond the nail and the nail bed, a 4-6 week course of oral antibiotics is generally required.
Fungal infections are not common in dogs and usually infect cats. However, several types of nail fungus can infect dogs, including Leishmania, Blastomyces dermatitis, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These are usually picked up by treading on fungus that lives in the soil or moldy areas. If your dog’s paws are wet, these fungi will thrive and can cause pretty severe and painful infections.
Fungal nail infections also need to be treated quickly and must be inspected by a vet. Like bacterial infections, your vet may recommend paw soaks, oral antifungal medication, or topical antifungal creams. Treatment length depends on the severity of the infection. However, most will clear up within 3-4 weeks. Your dog’s diet plays an important role in recovery, and they need the right nutrients to strengthen their immune system.
Knowing how to cure an infected toe on a dog is a must for pet parents. In almost all cases, it is advisable to get advice from a vet and use an antibiotic or antifungal treatment they recommend. However, once the infection has cleared, you should practice preventative methods. This will save you money and time at the vet, and spare your canine companion the discomfort!
Here are some things you can do to help prevent dog nail infections in the future:
Dogs can easily get small cuts on their paws when playing or exploring the outside world. They spend their whole lives on their paws! But these cuts can easily get infected with bacteria, you should try and keep your home clean. This helps to remove any possible causes of infection before they work their way inside your dog’s wounds. Make sure you:
Bacteria and fungi are lurking everywhere! However, they are found in much higher quantities on the beach, in wet soil, or in moldy areas. If you regularly take your dog on forest walks or to the beach, consider sticking to the path. Or, if you still want to let your dog explore freely, keep track of his movements and don’t let him explore any suspiciously dirty areas. This should help prevent dog nail infections in the future.
Establishing and sticking to a paw grooming routine can help prevent a dog nail bed infection. We recommend sticking to this three-step paw grooming process for best results:
What your dog eats dramatically impacts the strength of its immune system. Dogs that receive all the essential nutrients through their diets are going to be better at fighting off infections. This means they might be able to fight off bacteria and fungi by themselves before it gets out of hand.
Likewise, a healthy diet strengthens the nails. This makes nail injuries and thus dog nail infections less likely. Therefore, you must implement a healthy diet packed with everything your dog needs.
Finally, a great way to prevent dog infected nails is with regular paw checks. Every time you groom your furry friend, check their paws and nails for the symptoms listed above. And if you spot any signs of inflammation or discomfort schedule an appointment with your vet.
You should also consider regular prophylactic medical examinations with your vet to help identify and treat dog nail infections as quickly as possible. The sooner the infection is picked up, the easier and quicker it is to treat.
Unhealthy dog nails are pretty common. After all, dogs spend most of their waking hours on their paws! They are in constant contact with surfaces that can harbor germs and pathogens, so it doesn’t take long for infections to occur.
If you spot any signs or dog nail bed infections, book and veterinary appointment immediately so you can begin treatment. Don’t forget the benefits of good paw care either! This can go a long way in speeding up the recovery process and preventing future bacterial and fungal nail infections.
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We recommend to grab a few additional heads in advance to ensure the maximum grinding quality. Replaceable heads are made from high-quality material and specifically designed for LuckyTail device.
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Quickly polish your pet’s nails with a coarse grinding head. It’s ideal for large dogs with thick nails.
