How To Strengthen Dog Nails
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Dogs use their nails for everything.
- They scratch with them.
- They dig with them.
- Their nails help them hold their favorite bone as they chew on it.
- In fact, a dogs nails are more like fingers than they are our fingernails. Because of that, their nails get put through the ringer. And because of THAT, we need to do everything we can to keep those nails strong.
So lets take a look at how to do that.
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1. Visit Your Vet First
If your dogs nails are fine, and you just want to be sure they stay that way, visit your vet for advice.
If your dog has brittle nails that crack easily, visit your vet for advice.
That is key, and I cannot overstate it enough. You should always visit your vet first. Your vet can guide you through the process of diagnosing brittle nails and what to do about them and also through supplementation to ensure that your dogs nails stay healthy and strong.
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Fish oil is a bit of miracle in both humans and dogs.
The omega fatty acids in fish oil not only make the skin, hair, and heart healthier, they also promote stronger nails.
3. Biotin
Biotin supplementation can help to correct brittle nail issues and also to keep healthy nails strong.
The Difference Between A Split And Broken Nail
There is a difference between a split and a broken toenail. Both Daisy and Calvin have broken their toenails, and both had to go to the vet immediately.
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However, not all dogs need to go to the vet for a split or broken nail. Often split nails can be treated at home. And it depends on how and where your dog breaks its nail.
A broken nail is damaged horizontally, the nail may still be partially attached or removed completely leaving behind a hole. A split nail is one that is sliced in half vertically exposing the quick.
Regardless of whether it is a split or broken nail, it is an excruciating injury. When a dog splits their nail, they expose the nerves and quick, so the area is very tender.
So What Causes Split Or Cracked Toenails
Splitting and cracking of the toenails are an indication of something is not right with the health of your foot. Although most people do not pay attention to our toenails, as we should, this condition can cause many discomforts.
Also referred, as onychoschizia split toenails are sometimes painful and unaesthetic. This condition can also predispose your body to various health conditions including bacterial infections as well as fungus under the nails. Below are some of the causes of the split toenails.
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Lay Off The Manicure To Avoid Nail Fungus
“The inability for the nail bed to breath as a result of the barrier of the nail polish puts you at risk for developing nail fungus,” warns Green. “You also put yourself at risk for developing a skin or nail infection due to the filing down of the nail bed.” Going au natural also reduces the drying effects of harsh chemicals found in most nail polishes. And without a layer of polish blocking the sunlight from getting to your nails and cuticles, you’ll reap the cell regeneration benefits of going polish-free.
While nail biting doesn’t directly lead to peeling nails, it’s a habit that can cause other nail issues to arise that could lead to peeling nails, like infection. “Nail biting can cause infection of the nail and can put you at risk of spreading germs to your body,” says Green. “This puts you at risk for other health issues due to the exposure of bacteria and viruses which can be trapped on your fingers and underneath your nails.” To kick the habit to the curb, try this treatment by Ella + Milait’s formulated to taste bad with the goal of deterring you from getting your nails anywhere close to your mouth.
Nail Splitting Vitamin Deficiency
The color of your nails gives a clear indication of your health condition. It is important to check your nails every week to see if they are in healthy condition. Color, shape, and texture of the nails can give you innumerable clues on the state of your health. Dents in the nail called beauâs lines are caused because of malnutrition. Discoloration of nails and brittleness could be caused due to the vitamin deficiency.
The body requires the following vitamins for nails otherwise, it could lead to brittle nails. The following is an insight of various vitamins and the effect their deficiency could cause on nails:
- Vitamin A deficiency: No half-moons orridged nails, brittle, peeling or splitting nails
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency: Nails curve down past your fingertips, flat nails, dark,spoon-shaped nails
- Vitamin D deficiency: Brittle, peeling or cracking nails
The following are the essential minerals and vitamins, lack of it causes the nail splitting. They include:
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Why Are My Nails Splitting
The process of fingernails splitting is known as onychoschizia and dermatologists are used to seeing this issue. Onychoschizia includes splitting as well as soft, thin, or brittle nails. Brittle nails may either be brittle and dry or brittle and soft. The first involves too little moisture while the second has too much.
Consider Popping Biotin Supplements
Its yet to be proven without a doubt, but biotin may help to strengthen hair and nails. Because its water-soluble, it isnt stored by the body, so you have to ensure that you consume it daily, says Dr. Solomon.
Generally, most adults should be getting 30 micrograms of biotin daily, according to the National Institutes of Health. The typical recommended supplemental dose is roughly up to 3,000 mcg daily for six months, according to the Cleveland Clinic, but your doctor may recommend less or more, depending on your personal health.
If theres no improvement in nail strength by that time, odds are biotin is unlikely to be helpful. But if your nails do become stronger and you decide to make biotin supplementation a regular thing, make sure you stop taking them a few days before getting any lab tests done, as large amounts of biotin in your system can skew test results.
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Nail Splitting Horizontal In Layers
This condition is also known as Onychoschisis. It is a condition that causes horizontal splits within the nail plate. This condition could be caused by several things including:
- Repeated wetting and drying of fingernails
- Nail splitting could also be as a result of nail cosmetics such as polish removers,hardeners, and nail polish. It could also be as a result of exposure to various chemical at workplaces
- Injury could also lead to horizontal nail splitting
- Medical problems like malnutrition and gland diseases may also cause brittle nails.
This condition is characterized by several signs and symptoms, they include:
- This conditionis indicated by a single horizontal split between layers of the nail plate at the growing end
- For people with psoriasis, horizontal splits at the originmay be observed
Proper Care Is The Most Important Factor In Nail Health
According to the 2007 report by Dr. N. Scheinfeld, Dr. M.J. Dahdah, and Dr. R. Scher from the Department of Dermatology in Columbia University:
Find out how to identify whether your nails are weak or brittle.
You might be interested to know that brittle nails are not the same as weak nails. They are quite opposite, but both problems will cause your nails to break easily.
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Keep Them On The Shorter Side
If youre having trouble with weak nails, consider cutting down the length while you build up their strength, suggests Dr. Solomon. Shorter nails are less prone to breaking because there are fewer exposed edges to tear, and less surface area where water and chemicals can be absorbed. Once trimmed, prevent snags by gently rounding the edges with a nail file.
Lack Of Balanced Diet
Another main cause of split toenails is an unhealthy diet. In fact, toenail problems are one of the indications that you are not consuming healthy food. As you probably know if your body is not getting the right nutrients, you tend to experience various conditions that affect your health negatively. Split toenails are one of the indication that your body is not getting the right nutrients.
When the nails become brittle, they start to crack. Iron, being one of the core nutrients that help to get healthy and strong nails will greatly help in maintaining healthy nails. If you are not sure of the best nutrients or the diets that should help you maintain healthy toenails, you should consult your doctor or dietician to help you out.
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Nail Glue For Split Nails
Some people use the nail glue available in drugstores to to fix split nails. Although it does repair the splitting and make it less noticeable, nail glue doesnt address the underlying problem with the exception of cases caused by trauma n the fingernails and is thus not a cure for the problem but a temporary solution. Here is how to fix a split nail with nail glue :
Avoid Biting Your Nails
If you want to see improvement in your nail health? Then you should stop biting your nails now.
Biting your nails will not only render and makes your nails prone to splitting, but you may also ingest a lot of harmful bacteria into your system which might be harmful to your overall health.
There are lots of actionable ways to nail this habit for good though but you need to find out what triggers you to go after your nails first. If you can identify that which makes you go after those nails then youre halfway to putting an end to this habit for good.
Another great way to stop picking at your nails is by coating them with bad tasting polishes. This polish are best known as anti-nail-biting polish. They help deter the urge and some of them has a dual-action. What this means is, they dont only stop you from going after your nails, they also help to promotes nail growth.
Still, confused on what to do to stop? Heres an in-depth article I wrote a few months back on Nail-biting. You really should check it out
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Nail Cracked In The Middle
There are numerous reasons why nails crack and split in the middle. The reasons could be both medical and non-medical causes.
One of the most common medical causes of cracked nails is fungal infections. Fungal infection most commonly affects toenails but the fingernails also risk being infected.
Psoriasis is also a medical cause for cracking of nails. This condition makes nails more prone to getting cracked, peeling or splitting hence leading to crumbling.
Non-medical causes of cracked nails include over exposure to harmful chemicals or water. This makes the nails lose natural oils and moisture.
Nails could also crack as a result of old age since the body loses its natural oils.
Menopause could also lead to cracking of nails- this is because menopause is characterized by low levels of moisture hence may lead to nails getting dry. This makes them more prone to cracking and splitting.
Should I Be Worried If My Cats Nails Are Splitting
If you notice your kittys nails starting to split, dont worry! It might just be a temporary phase. Cats nails are designed to shred objects while hunting, so the splitting is normal while the nail reaches its full length. As long as you keep an eye out for bumps or scratches on your cats paws, theres no reason to get too worried about it! Your feline friend should return to normal once her claws grow back meanwhile, make sure that she has plenty of toys and scratching posts to distract her from using your furniture for target practice.
Without blood or pus under the nail itself , there is rarely any need for concern.
If you do believe that the nail is infected, then you should take your cat to the vet to get it properly treated. Keep in mind that cats tend not to show pain or illness like humans and dogs might, so if your cat does have an infection and seems comfortable, it might be a good idea to wrap her paw with a bandage overnight to see if there are any symptoms the following day.
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Keep Your Nails Medium
Extremely long nails can lead to a constant tear or split. So be sure to keep yours trimmed to your desired length. I like to think of the length thingy to be subjective though but in all, try to keep them short.
They should not be too long, and most importantly, be mindful of the kind of nail shape to adopt as some leads to frequent splitting.
Brittle Nails: Causes And Tips To Strengthen
2 Minute Read
If your nails split, peel, or are simply weak, you have brittle nails.
Brittle nails occur for a variety of reasons. They may be a normal sign of aging or the result of polishing your nails too frequently. When the weather is cold, brittle nails may result from dryness. Weak nails also can be signs of a health issue, such as hypothyroidism or anemia.
Before you assume the worst or head to the doctor, learn how to strengthen brittle nails and the reasons why you might be experiencing them.
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The Cause Of Weak Nails
Weak nails are nails that are too moist. The excess moisture makes your nails soft, causing them to tear easily. Though there are nail hardening products on the market, you should be aware that these hardening products contain ingredients like formaldehyde, and prolonged use of formaldehyde may cause the opposite problem: brittleness. Because of this, most dermatologists do not advise the use of nail hardeners.
People who are prone to nail damage:
- People who change their nail polish almost every day are more susceptible to nail damage because most polish removers contain acetone and formaldehyde.
- Older people also experience more nail damage because nails dry out as we age.
How To Fix A Split Nail Bed
Its not all nail bed split that can be fixed. Nail bed can only be fixed when its a minor tear. To fix, wash the surface first with a solution containing warm water and salt.
After that, towel dry then apply antibiotic ointment to it. Cover with a bandage thereafter to avoid bacteria from getting in. Do this for a couple of days until the nail bed heals completely. If the problem persists, consult a doctor.
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Why Is My Nail Splitting Down The Middle
Nails can split down the middle for a variety of reasons. Usually it happens because your nails are too dry and weak, possibly from lack of moisture or Keratin. You could be putting your nails through too much by constantly painting them, and nail polish remover can really dry out your nails. Try to go without polish for a week or two to regain the moisture level.
Other possible reasons are your diet, stress, or maybe you wash your hands too frequently. Usually nail splitting isnt something to worry about too much, but if it goes from cuticle to nail bed, it can be a serious issue.
Why Does My Thumbnail Keep Splitting
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Likewise, people ask, what does vertical splits in fingernails mean?
There are many common causes of nail splitting, the medical term for which is onychoschizia. A split can occur across the nail, or it could split the nail vertically. Some of the most common causes of nail splitting include: Trauma or injury. Fingers and fingernails are easy to injure.
Also Know, how do you heal a split thumbnail? A lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid may soothe your nail area. Some people use a layer of clear nail polish to protect cracked nails. To prevent more splits, wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when your hands are in water. Gently file down any nail snags or uneven edges so they don’t lead to more cracks.
In this manner, how do I stop my nail from splitting?
How do I stop my nails from splitting vertically?
Keep the nails trimmed short to reduce worsening of nail splitting. Soak the nails in water daily, 15 minutes at a time, to increase the water content of the nails. Apply moisturizers , such as petroleum jelly or Cetaphil®, to improve nail hydration.
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