Your dog's nails provide stability for running and playing, but they can also tell you quite a bit about a pup's health. As you regularly trim your pet's nails, watch them for signs of sensitivity, swelling, or breakage. While often nothing to worry about, changes to your dog's toenails may indicate more serious underlying health conditions. These are a few of the most common issues behind nail problems.

Nail Injuries

Rough play, running through brush, and nail clipping accidents can all cause injuries to a dog's toenails. In some cases, your dog may not even notice, but more serious traumas could lead to bleeding and an exposed nail bed. Any wound that reaches the nail's nerve is very painful with the potential for complications. If you notice your pet's paw bleeding or see it favor the leg while walking, take it in to see a veterinarian right away.

Inflammation and Infection

Infections and inflammation may begin with an untreated nail injury, but they can also start through fungal infections or allergies. Common signs of an inflamed toe include repetitive licking of the area and sensitivity to handling. You might feel heat and swelling around the nail as well. Visit your veterinarian to treat the infection and make sure there aren't underlying issues at play.

Growths or Tumors

Areas near keratin, such as toenails, sometimes see strange growths that, while inconvenient, aren't dangerous. A fleshy growth around a dog's toenail, however, could be a type of tumor, such as subungual melanoma. Tumors in the nail bed may metastasize, spreading to the rest of your dog's body. For this reason, have it checked as soon as you spot it. Your vet will be able to confirm whether or not it's benign and remove it if necessary. 

Nutritional Imbalances

Brittle toenails that chip and fracture usually point to a nutritional imbalance. Your dog needs lots of protein to grow healthy keratin; without it, nails become soft and easily broken. Check your pet's food and consider switching to a high-protein formula to resolve this issue.

Natural Aging

Finally, just as human bodies change with age, your dog's will also. For example, puppies often have white or translucent claws that darken with age. In other cases, your senior pet's nails may become more delicate or develop a pronounced hook.

The best way to monitor your pet's wellness and keep its nails at a healthy length is through regular trimming. Start as soon as possible to help your dog grow comfortable with the process. Doing so allows you to not only prevent many of these problems but also to notice when one develops quickly. If you have further questions about your pup's toe and foot health, contact a local veterinarian clinic to schedule an exam today.