Dealing with Ingrown Nails in Your Pet: Causes and Treatment

Pets are more than just animals to us. They’re our faithful companions that we love and care for like family. However, as much as we want them to be healthy, certain conditions can still affect their well-being – one of which is ingrown nails. These pesky little things may seem trivial at first, but they can actually cause discomfort and pain to your furry friend if left unattended.

In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the causes of ingrown nails in pets and how you can treat them to keep your pet happy and healthy!

What are Ingrown Nails?

cat, nails, paw

Ingrown nails are caused when the nail goes too far into the skin and then twists, bending or ripping the skin. The culprit is usually a hard object attached to the nail, such as a sock, underwear or piece of furniture. When there’s tension on the nail, it can actually grow into the flesh below, causing pain and inflammation.

There are a few things you can do to reduce your pet’s chances of getting ingrown nails:

  • Keep your pet’s nails trimmed short and watch for any abnormalities that may lead to them becoming ingrown, such as overgrowth or curvature around the nail. canine toe syndrome is another condition that can lead to ingrown nails in pets.
  • Avoid placing items directly onto your pet’s feet; instead try using elevated platforms or foot rests if possible. This will prevent them from leaning their weight on their nails and putting pressure on them.
  • If you notice that your pet is starting to get ingrown nails regularly, give them a bath with warm water and soap and apply antibiotic ointment to any areas affected. Follow up with a hair trimming session as necessary so that stray hairs aren’t getting caught in their nails.

How Do Ingrown Nails Form?

a person holding a small bird in their hand

Ingrown nails are a common problem, and one that can be difficult to treat. Here are some of the most common causes of ingrown nails in pets, and how to treat them.

Ingrown nails may form for a variety of reasons. One common cause is when your pet’s nail gets caught on something else, such as a rug or wood flooring. As the nail grows down into the skin, it tends to curve inward and can get stuck in the underlying layers of skin. This can cause inflammation and pain, which may lead your pet to scratch excessively or try to pull out the nail altogether.

There are a few things you can do if you’re noticing your pet scratching too much or trying to remove nails that have gotten stuck:

  • Apply an over-the-counter analgesic cream, such as Motrin or Advil. Repeat as necessary until symptoms dissipate.
  • If the ingrowing nail is Lesherring (a form of navicular bone disease), your vet may recommend surgery or drenching with a Fish Oil Solution (containing EPA and DHA) every day for four weeks to promote nail growth properly.
  • If the ingrowing nail is caused by damage from another animal ie being stepped on, rubbing up against furniture etc., applying petroleum jelly daily will help prevent re-growth into fleshy part of paw.
  • If the ingrowing nail is caused by a medical condition such as diabetes, surgery may be required in order to remove the nail.

If you suspect your pet is experiencing ingrown nails, be sure to consult with your vet. He or she can provide you with advice on how to treat the problem and prevent it from returning.

Signs of an Ingrown nail in a Pet

Ingrown nails, also known as onychocolonic retraction or pyo-onycholysis, are a common problem in dogs and cats. They occur when the nail folds back on itself, trapping bacteria underneath the nail. This can cause inflammation and pain, which may be aggravated by wear or debris on the nail surface.

Prevention is the best way to deal with ingrown nails in pets, so follow these tips:

  • Keep nails short – Long nails can pinch between toes and feet, leading to discomfort and infection.
  • Trim nails regularly – Let your veterinarian know if they become too long or have sharp edges, as this can also lead to problems.
  • Saturate area with warm water and soap – Apply a warm washcloth with soap to the affected area followed by plenty of water. Use a scrubbing pad if necessary.
  • Repeat as needed – Soak for at least five minutes each time; it’s important to get into all areas of the nail fold.
  • Consider treatment – If the infection is severe or if symptoms persist after following these simple steps, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for treatment.

If your pet has an ingrown nail, it may need antibiotics to begin the healing process.

Causes of Ingrown Nails in Pets

Ingrown nails are a common problem in pets. They can occur when the nail grows into the skin too quickly, making it difficult for the skin to stretch and pull away from the nail. There are several causes of ingrown nails in pets, including genetics, medical conditions, and overexertion. Treatment depends on the cause. If there is a medical condition causing the ingrown nails, treatment may include medication or surgery. If the nails grow too fast because of genetics or another cause, Pet Parents may need to keep a close eye on their pet’s grooming habits and groom them regularly to prevent excessive growth.

What to Do If Your Pet Has Ingrown Nails

If you notice that your pet has ingrown nails, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet can determine the cause of the problem and recommend treatment.

If you notice that your pet has ingrown nails, follow these tips to help keep them from getting worse:

  • Keep your pet’s nails clean and dry.Keep your pet’s nails clean and dry by cleaning them with a mild soap and water if they start to get dirty or wet.

Treatment Methods for Pets with Ingrown Nails

There are many ways to treat ingrown nails in pets. Below we will outline the most common options, as well as when each should be used.

Salon treatments: This is usually the first choice for pet owners, since salon treatments typically require minimal follow-up care. Most salons offer a variety of nail treatments that can be applied to the nails at home. Choose a treatment that is safe for your pet and follow the instructions carefully. For pets with severe cases, some doctors may prescribe a corticosteroid injection or surgical removal of the nail.

Non-surgical methods: Non-surgical treatments include applying a OTC topical cream or gel, using a bandage or wrap, or soaking the nails in warm water and Epsom salts (or baking soda). Care must be taken not to apply too much pressure while using these methods, as this can further damage the nail. Pets should be reevaluated in 14 days to determine if adverse effects have occurred.

Surgical methods: Surgery typically involves cutting into the nail above and below the quick (the area near where the nail is attached to the finger), then removing any torn pieces of tissue and debris. After surgery, pets should be rechecked within 24 hours for infection and pain relief should be requested if needed. The average cost of surgery ranges from $50-$200.

Conclusion

There are numerous causes of ingrown nails in pets, and each pet is affected differently. Some cases may simply require a soothing bath or an over-the-counter skin ointment to stop the pain and itching. If your pet’s nails have become particularly debatable and there is evidence that they are becoming Ingrown Nails Syndrome (INSD), then it might be necessary to see a veterinarian for further diagnosis and/or treatment. Pets with INSD often display excessive scratching at the site of the nails, bleeding beneath them, inflammation on top of the nail bed, along with redness or heat around the nail. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, please consult your veterinarian as soon as possible!

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