brittle nails

[daphine924]

I just got a puppy and his nail are very brittle, they look like they are painted w/a French manicure.Can you tell me what that means and should I be alarmed?

[chihuahuagrandma]

If your dog also is large breed, go to farm supply or tac store, buy, horse hoaf creme and also massage in to dog's paw along w/the nails...
BabaluandOtis information is very good and I agree...
Welcome to the forum, good luck...

[BabaluandOtis2]

Oh, also when you take him for his rounds of puppy shots , ask the vet to show you how to clip the nails, and what type of clipper would be best for your breed of pup.
;)

[BabaluandOtis2]

Hi,

If this is your first dog, I would suggest going to the pet store/book store and getting a book on the general care and living, with a dog.

What you describe as a "french manicure", is normal for a dogs nails. The white/clear part is what is growing past his "finger"....the pink part, so to speak.  That is the part that needs to be clipped, just as peoples nails do as they grow out.

But you have to be VERY careful not to accidentally clip the pink part....it would be the same as clipping you're nails too short and clipping your finger with it.....VERY painful. And if this happens with a pup, they can become very afraid of the nail clipper and ever having their nails clipped again.
This is why it is SO important to acclimate your pup to this early on......start with massaging his feet, as dogs usually don't like their feet touched, very sensitive there.....so he gets used to you touching them. And clip one at a time at first and so on....
A book would be extremely helpful in showing you how, the different types of clippers and give you tips.
You can also google clipping dogs nails and see info online.
puppy's nails are very soft just like a babies....and they can break easy too. But letting grow too long is bad for the dog....it affects their feet/ walk, can get caught on things and tear/rip...basically all the same things that can be painful on your nails too.
Congrats on your new little one!
What breed is he?
Take care, Teresa ; )