Split nails for a Dog; Miniature Schnauzer

Question
He is black and his nails are also black and they are spliting and cracking bad. They hurt to the touch and he even limps some times.
I took him to the Vet and they did a blood test and said that he did not have a bacteria infection. Do you have any suggestions or ideas how I can get this problem cleared up.

Answer
Hello Lynn -

This time of year pets suffer from dry skin and nails just as humans do. If your pet had a bacterial infection there would have been other signs. I will assume the veterinarian also said you pet did not have a fungal infection.

You may want to check his paw pads for signs of bruising, cuts  or burns. If you find a cut, carefully clean it with an antiseptic and wrap it up. Also check between the pads and the nail to see if there may be a small object embedded such as a splinter. If you find an object carefully remove it and clean it with an antispetic, wrap it if necessary.

Also look for dry or cracked pads. If you find this clean the pad with and antiseptic then apply the paw with vaseline and wrap in gauze. Follow the guidelines below for ensuring healthy skin, nails and coat during the fall and winter months.

Since your pet is a "mini", I will guess he is an inside pet. If you have dry forced hot air you may be drying out his skin and nails especially if his bedding is near a vent. This has been a cold winter and his skin may not be adapting well to it this year. Age also falls into play here, the older pets and humans get the thinner their skin becomes and it is more difficult to hold in heat.

Here are a couple natural suggestions you can try:

Flax Seed Oil
Essential oils are necessary for good health of your pet's skin and coat, and for immune boosting. Flax seed oil is best purchased at a good health food store, and can be found in the refrigerated section. Always keep it refrigerated at home as well. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Add this to your pets food daily throughout the winter. It is a wonderful Omega-3 essential fatty acid and will greatly improve your pets health all around.

Tea tree oil
Mix one-half teaspoon to a pint of water, rinse with it, and leave on his nails twice a day. It is made from the melaluca tree, and besides being a natural skin softener; it has antibacterial and anti-yeast properties. Keep the unused portion in a glass jar, old spaghetti jars are great for this.

Vitamin A
You can purchase this from your pet store. Add this to his diet to promote healty, soft and hydrated skin and nails. Cracking and brittle nails and dry skin are usually results of a Vitamin A defeciancy. Administer 50 IU per pound of food daily throughout the fall and winter months. Other sources of Vitamin A are found in liver, fish liver oil, vegetables and dairy products.

Remember to Clip your pet's nails to avoid broken nails and cut back broken nails. Keep foot pads clean by rinsing off dirt and mud, removing burrs, twigs, stones, etc., and trimming back hair.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like additional information regarding natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns, please contact me at  wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you and send you a catalog of my home made herbal remedies.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist