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Why are my dog's nails chipping and unhealthy? How to fix them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 10 years and 3 months old | 11 lbs

I recently noticed Chloe’s nails have been chipping on the sides, she only gets her nails cut from her vet. Is this a sign of her nails being unhealthy? And is there a way to make them better? Thanks!

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on August 20th, 2018

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Brittle nails or nails that split easily may be due to them being overgrown, due to nutritional imbalance, or certain diseases such as endocrine diseases like Cushing's disease. Certain autoimmune diseases like Lupoid Onychodystrophy can sometimes cause nails to become fragile and crack. I would make sure Chloe is eating a high quality commercial diet that contains fatty acids such as Omega 3 fatty acids and also vitamin E. I would also recommend having Chloe seen by her veterinarian for this as well to rule out any underlying disorders that could be contributing. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work or other diagnostics tests to help determine if any underlying cause is present. I hope this helps and thanks again for posting!

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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