What causes a dog’s nails to turn black?
There are several possible reasons for your dog’s nails to turn black. One of them is an infection caused by bacteria or a fungus. If this is the case, topical medications can be used for treatment. If the infection is more severe, the dog may require a course of oral antibiotics or other medication.
Another reason for black-colored nails can just be hyperpigmentation and genetics. Some breeds have dual nail colors that are usually white when they’re puppies and turn black when they grow. If this is the case, there is nothing to worry about.
Why did my dog’s nails turn brown?
Finally, nails that turn brown can also be the result of yeast infection. Dogs that have a history of allergies are more prone to these infections.
You will notice nails growing longer than usual and the quick also turning brown (the blood vessel and nerve inside the nail). Also, the dog will start licking and biting its paw constantly.
In both cases of red and brown nails, your vet will determine the cause of the discoloration and apply treatment accordingly.
Treatment of Discoloration in Nails in Dogs
Once the cause for the nail discoloration is discovered, treatment can be prescribed as appropriate. If nails have changed color due to normal age or genetic factors, no treatment is needed. Similarly, if hyperpigmentation is alone the cause, there is no treatment or cure.
Medications
If bacterial infections are the primary or secondary reasons for the color change, antibiotics are prescribed. They can also be given to prevent infections from happening during other treatments, especially if the dog is licking and chewing their nails and paws. If fungal infections are primary or secondary causes, anti-fungal medications will be prescribed in oral form, as topical treatments, or in medicated shampoos, rinses, dips, sprays, soaks, ointments or wipes.
Medications for auto-immune diseases can include immunosuppressants, cytotoxic drugs, and corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation. If thyroid or other hormones are out of balance and contributing to the primary cause of the discoloration, drugs to correct the imbalance may also be given.
Removing nails
If nails are brittle or damaged, they may need to be cut down or partially removed. If infections or trauma has severely injured or compromised the nail or digit, surgery to amputate them may be considered.
Supplements and diet
If your dog has lupoid onychodystrophy, a change of diet and the addition of supplements such as biotin, vitamin E and essential fatty acids have been shown to help improve symptoms. Any type of allergies may also require a change of diet to manage the allergies, and can also benefit from adding essential fatty acids and probiotics to their diet.
Other treatments
Whenever there is risk of any kind of infection, special care should be taken to keep the nails and paws clean. Bullous auto-immune disease sufferers should limit exposure to sunlight, as the conditions can be exacerbated by ultraviolet light. In the case of fungal infections, you may need to sterilize the environment and items such as beds and toys to prevent re-infection.
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