Why Do Dogs Eat Their Nail Clippings?

Why do dogs eat their nail clippings and chew on their nails? It’s it safe for them to do so? What should you do as an owner if you see your dog eating nail clippings? While generally this is not a problem, there are possible health problems associated with this behavior and as such you should take steps to prevent it where possible.

Why Do Dogs Eat Their Nail Clippings?

While it may seem odd to us, dogs have no qualms about eating nail clippings! Maybe because they mistake them for fallen snacks or maybe because they believe that they will get some nutritional value from them, there are a few reasons why your dog may be eating it’s nail clippings. Read on to learn more!

 

Can And Do Dogs Eat Their Nail Clippings?

Dogs can and do eat their nail clippings. This is a behavior that seems puzzling to us but is actually a fairly common behavior in dogs. In fact, you may actually catch your dog eating your nail clippings too!

Is It Abnormal For Dogs To Chew On Their Nails?

Dogs, much like cats, use their tongue and teeth to help groom themselves. Seeing your dog licking or chewing by their nails is not necessarily abnormal as it is part of grooming. If you are noticing your dog spending extra time or an excessive amount of time chewing at their nails that is abnormal and could be a sign that something is wrong.

 

If you are seeing your dog eating their nail clippings, it is not too abnormal as sometimes they may mistake the clippings for food.

Why Does My Dog Want To Eat Their Nail Clippings?

Mistaken for food: Sometimes dogs cannot always tell when something is food or not. If your dog likes to pick up food you drop on the floor, they may eat their nail clippings because they are mistaking it for food.

 

Pica: Pica is a condition in which dogs will eat non-edible items in search of nutritional value. This can result in your dog eating nail clippings. Of you suspect this is what your dog’s motivation is, contact your vet for the best care plan.

Why Does My Dog Bite Their Nails?

Dogs may bite at their nails for a couple of reasons. When dogs are grooming themselves they use their teeth and tongues to clean dirt and debris from their body. Seeing your dog biting their nails could be that they are removing something as they are grooming or that they are satisfying an itch.

 

There are also more serious reasons why your dog is biting their nails. Excessive nail biting could be a sign of allergic itch which may require vet consultation to help remove the allergen from the dog’s environment. It could also be a sign of high anxiety in your dog which means your dog’s lifestyle may need some changes to help reduce their stress. As well, nail chewing may be a sign of Pica which will need veterinary assistance to treat.

Dog Ate Their Nail Clippings, What Should I Do?

If your dog consumed nail clippings, you should keep an eye on them. Checking their mouth and as far in their throat as you can see is important to ensure that your dog did not get any clippings stuck in their mouth.

Do Dog Nail Clippings Digest In Your Dog’s Stomach?

No, dog nails are not digestible! Neither are our mail clippings. This means that if your dog consumes its nail clippings then they will pass through the stomach and digestive system without breaking down. Your dog is likely to pass them whole in a bowel movement.

Are Dog Nail Clippings Good & Safe For Dogs To Eat?

Dog nail clippings are relatively neutral when it comes to consumption. They do not provide much if anything in the way of nutritional value for the dog so there is no benefit. Generally, it is harmless when a dog eats their nail clippings but there is always a chance they can damage the inside of a dog’s mouth or digestive tract if the clippings are particularly sharp.

My Dog Just Ate Their Nail Clippings, Will Something Happen To Her?

Likely no, your dog should be just fine after eating their nail clippings. To be sure, keep an eye on your dog for signs of discomfort and if anything appears off in their behavior, reach out to your vet.

Is Eating Their Nail Clippings Pica In Dogs?

Pica in dogs is a condition in which the afflicted dog still eat inedible objects in search of nutritional value. This condition can lead to dogs consuming objects that their body is unable to process and pass through their digestive system. These objects can in turn make your dog very sick and can require surgery to remove.

How Can I Stop The Dog From Their Nail Clippings?

Trim over a waste bin: The easiest way to prevent your dog from eating their nail clippings is to trim their nails over a waste bin. This will allow you to discard the trimmings right away, removing the option for your dog to eat them.

 

Trade your clippers in for a file: Another very effective way to prevent your dog from eating their nail clippings is to not have nail clippings at all! With many dogs struggling with nail trimming, there are many electric nail files on the market now that allow you to file down your dog’s nails to the correct length quickly. This also means no clippings for your dog to eat!

Can Puppies And Old Dogs Eat Their Nail Clippings?

Puppies and older age dogs are capable of eating their own nail clippings. Just like dogs at any age, puppies and old dogs are unable to digest the nail material and as a result will pass it through their digestive system. They are at the same risks as dogs in different life stages when it comes to consuming nail clippings.

What Happens If A Puppy Ate Their Nail Clippings?

Puppies are known to explore everything with their mouths! Because of this they may eat nail clippings. Be sure to take all preventative measures to ensure that they do not. If they happen to, you will want to check their mouths to be sure there are no clippings stuck in their gums and will also want to monitor them after for signs of discomfort. As puppies have smaller mouths and an overall smaller digestive tract, it is possible that they are at a high risk of choking or blockage as a result of consuming nail clippings. Monitoring them is of utmost importance Contact your vet with all concerns and questions after your puppy eats nail clippings.

What Happens If An Old Dog Ate Their Nail Clippings?

Old dogs are at the same risks as dogs of other life stages when it comes to eating nail clippings. Similar to puppies, if an older dog consumed nail clippings it’s best to really monitor them. Older dogs sometimes have digestive troubles or sometimes trouble chewing due to dental changes. If you suspect your older dog has consumed nail clippings and you are worried it may pose a health problem for them, reach out to your vet for the best treatment plan.

Do All Dogs Like To Eat Their Nail Clippings?

Not all dogs will eat their nail clippings. Much like people, our dogs have their unique preferences and habits. Some dogs may regularly chew on nail clippings while some may never.

 

Resources

 

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