Dry, brittle dog nails are common—especially when nails have been allowed to grow long. Brittle nails chip, split, and crack easily, and they’re more likely to break during trimming.
Key point: Even when nails are brittle, they still need regular maintenance—just switch to safer techniques (filing/grinding) and go slowly.
Trim Safely (Always File or Grind)
- Use an electric nail grinder (low speed) or a manual dog nail file.
- Take tiny passes and let the nail cool between touches to avoid heat buildup.
- If a nail is already split, do not use pliers-style or guillotine clippers—pressure can worsen the split.
- With a manual file, work in one direction only, away from the dog (not back-and-forth).
- Finish with a light file to round sharp edges so they don’t snag.
What Can Cause Brittle Nails?
- Overgrowth / mechanical stress (nails too long)
- Skin/nail bed disease: bacterial, yeast, or fungal infections
- Immune-mediated nail disorders (e.g., onychodystrophy)
- Endocrine issues (e.g., hypothyroidism)
- Nutritional gaps or poor absorption (common in seniors)
- Environmental factors (winter dryness, de-icers, frequent water exposure)
If nails are repeatedly breaking, painful, bleeding, swollen, or detaching, see your veterinarian.
Hygiene When Infection Is Present
- Disinfect tools (e.g., diluted chlorhexidine or 70% isopropyl on metal parts).
- Change sanding bands after each session on affected nails.
- Do not share trimmers between infected and healthy dogs.
Nutrition Support
- Omega-3s (salmon oil) can help improve nail moisture/quality and support skin/coat and joints.
- Start low and increase to the label’s daily amount. Follow the dosing instructions in our article Salmon Oil for Dogs’ Nails.
- Balanced diet appropriate for age/health; ensure fresh water.
- Zinc: only under vet guidance. Some dogs benefit, but excess zinc can be harmful.
- Ask your vet about biotin or a complete skin & coat supplement if deficiencies are suspected.
Practical Tips
- Trim little and often (weekly micro-sessions) to help the quick recede.
- Soften hard nails by trimming after a bath or wrapping paws in a damp cloth ~15 min.
- Keep styptic powder handy.
- For outdoor or working dogs, consider booties to reduce snags while nails recover.
- Keep fur around nails neatly trimmed so you can see what you’re doing.
What To Do Now (Checklist)
- Switch to grinding/filing only; avoid clippers on split nails.
- Book a vet check if nails keep cracking or look infected.
- Add omega-3 support (salmon oil) and review the base diet.
- Trim short and often, disinfect tools if infection is present.
Related Guides
- Dog Nail Grinder Guide — safer for brittle/splitting nails
- How to Find the Quick on Dog Nails — stop well before the quick
- Salmon Oil for Dog Nails — benefits, dosage & safety
- Pros and Cons with a Dog Nail Grinder — weigh it up before you buy