Nail discoloration, where the nail turns red, brown, or black, is usually due to an injury with internal bleeding and bruising under the nail. But it can also be a fungal, bacterial, or protozoal infection. Sometimes it happens because of tumors or damage that allows dirt and debris to collect under the nail.
Some dogs' nails are naturally colored differently. Natural pigmentation causes different colored nails in dogs, which can vary even among dogs of the same breed. What is this? In reality, some puppies may have white nails (or a combination of white and black) that gradually turn black or darker as they grow.
Trimming black nails
Go slowly. Hold your dog's paw firmly but gently. Position the clippers to cut the nail from top to bottom (not side to side) Trim a very small length of the nail, about 1/16th of an inch.
This is called the pulp, and it looks like a black spot in the middle of your dog's nail. The pulp is located right before the quick, so once you see it, you'll know it's time to stop cutting or grinding the nail.
Keeping your dog's nails trimmed consistently is very important, because a lack of regular nail trimming can cause an overgrown quick. Without regular nail care, the quick will advance inside the nail and may even advance enough to match the end of the nail's outer shell!
Many dogs have naturally black nails, but if you see a normally white dog nail turning black, then there is usually a cause for concern. It's worth paying attention to your dog's nail color since changes in color can indicate fungal infections, allergies, and even an autoimmune disease.
Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed approximately once monthly. Dogs that are frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go a bit longer between nail trims, because walking on a hard, rough surface can help file the nail.
However, it can also be a sign of other nail disorders, such as symmetric lupoid onychodystrophy. If your dog's nail is usually white, reddish coloration may develop if the nail bleeds. If the nail is usually black, it may become brown or a violet color in the presence of a fungal infection.
discolouration of the nail – it may turn white, black, yellow or green. thickening and distortion of the nail – it may become an unusual shape or texture and be difficult to trim. pain or discomfort – particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger.
A healthy canine's nails are oval-shaped but broader at the toe and narrower towards the tips. Like human nails, dog claws are made of the protein keratin. Dog nails are typically a similar color to the skin of their paw pads. So if the paw pads are pink, the nails will be transparent with a visible light pink quick.
Your veterinarian may apply antibiotic ointment or powder to the exposed nail bed and bandage the foot to prevent contamination and to minimize further bleeding. An oral or injectable antibiotic may be advised as well.
Fungal Nail Infections:
A solitary nail may be affected or the condition may affect multiple nails as well as the rest of the skin. This fungus is more commonly a problem in cats, although dogs can also be affected.
Taking your dog for regular walks, including on hard surfaces such as pavements, will help to shorten their claws, but may not be enough to keep them as short as they should be.
The amount of time between nail trims depends on how quickly your dog's nails grow and how quickly they are worn down. The average dog should have his nails clipped every three to four weeks, but it should be done as often as needed to keep the nail from touching the ground when your dog is standing.
Clipping and grinding are equally efficient and safe ways to trim your pup's nails. Clippers are cheaper and less noisy, while dremels are louder and more expensive but more precise and efficient.
In fact, the sentiment behind black nail polish on the ring finger actually supports a very noble and important cause. Many people, including some prominent celebrities, have joined hands and painted a single fingernail in solidarity with the prevention of violence that is enacted against children.
If nails are clear, the quick appears pink and the nail growing past the quick is white. If nails are dark, the quick isn't as obvious. A bit of trivia: if a dog's paws are white, nails tend to be clear. Past the quick, the toenails don't have any nerves and they tend to be less sensitive.
Discoloration may even be red, brown, or black, but it could also be that your dog is simply getting older. However, if you start seeing a change of color in your dog's nails, you should consider a visit to the vet's office.
Instead, dogs show far more rapid accumulation of methyl groups in their genome than humans within their first year or so, suggesting they age at a much faster rate. However, as time passes, the rate of ageing in dogs, compared with humans, slows down.
You can usually walk your dog within an hour after cutting the quick. Provided it was only a small cut, and you stopped the bleeding, there is no reason not to walk your dog.