Brittle/Splitting nails

SaraB

My girl has very brittle nails. When I first got her at 8 weeks old I had noticed the breeders did not trim her nails at all. They were growing into her pads. I try to keep them as short as possible. But somehow she keeps breaking them. This time it split down the middle horizontally. Does not cause her pain and there was no bleeding. I'm not sure what to do. Any advice or tips would be so helpful! She is 5 months old.

Djammy

This is not a very usual problem - as far as my own experience goes. And while it may not have caused serious problems or pain so far ... issues could be waiting around the corner in the form of infections and pain in the future. That split nail really does not look good with the quick so exposed.
This is definitely something that should be addressed with the help of a veterinarian because both causes as well as necessary therapy can be very different and involve medication you don't have any access to without a doctor.

JParanee

Also add gelatin to the diet helps make strong nails

SaraB

Thank you. I will be talking to my vet. What gelatin do you recommend?

JParanee

Here you go

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Lakes-Certified-Pasture-Raised-Grass-Fed/dp/B01GIL5ATU/ref=pd_ys_c_rfy_rp_16310101_0?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01GIL5ATU&pd_rd_r=EBBBV05RXWZT0E4WN5X0&pd_rd_w=2vu6k&pd_rd_wg=jTceG&psc=1&refRID=ADKVV7T1BHRNVW7426AR

JParanee

Benefits of gelatin

Gelatin

Gelatin
Feeding your dog gelatin has many health benefits. The main amino acid in gelatin is glycine, which carnivores normally get from eating the tendons, skin and cartilage of their prey. If you decide to add gelatin to your dog’s diet, the gelatin MUST be sugar free and fat free. The only two gelatins I personally recommend using are Great Lakes Gelatin and Knox Gelatin. Knox Gelatin is better used for small dogs than large dogs, as the amount needed for large dogs would require larger amounts of the gelatin and would be more costly, however can still be used for large dogs. Great Lakes Gelatin can be fed to all sizes of dogs, and this is the brand I recommend most.
The main benefits of feeding your dog gelatin are:
•Protects against seizures and brain damage
•Has anti-inflammatory actions that can reduce painful inflammation
•Supports a healthy digestive system
•Is fat free, cholesterol free and sugar free
•Helps harder the toe nails
•Supports cartilage growth and development, especially in the joints and ears
•Can help prevent arthritis, arthrosis and other degenerative joint disorders and diseases
•Strengthens tendons, ligaments, muscles and bones
•Supports a good coat, good skin and blood cell growth
•Increases alertness and energy
Things to know about using gelatin:
•NEVER use regular/dessert gelatin, such as Jello
•Sweeteners in regular/dessert gelatin can cause seizures and death
•The gelatin is most beneficial if fed from an early age as a preventative to avoid joint problems in the future, but can start being fed at any age which will still improve health
The gelatin is fed as a powder, sprinkled over your dog’s food. However, you can also make the gelatin and turn it into its jelly-form and feed it to your dog as a fun treat. It is easier to use Knox Gelatin for the treats, as it already comes in packets and directions for use. Pour the mixed liquid into ice cube trays and put in the fridge until it is chilled and reaches its jellied form. You can also put small pieces of apple, carrot, blueberries and other healthy foods in the ice tray before you put it in the fridge to harden. One pack of Knox Gelatin may require more than one ice cube tray, but they can be easily stored in a sealed container in the fridge. Putting a piece of plastic wrap between each layer can allow you to stack the pieces on top of each other without them all sticking together. Remember, although you are using gelatin for the treats, you do not have to reduce the amount of the powdered form you add to your dog’s food. A dog’s diet should not be changed because of treats, regardless of what the treat is made up, whether is it gelatin, chicken, beef, etc. Adding a little extra gelatin will not harm you dog at all, the serving size is just a general idea as to how much is needed to benefit your dog.
Gelatin Serving Chart
Dog’s Weight Serving
10-25 pounds ½ teaspoon
25-50 pounds 1 teaspoon
50-75 pounds 2 teaspoons
75-100 pounds 1 tablespoon 
100+ pounds 1 ¼ tablespoon
**Feed as a powder twice a day. Serving size is per meal, not per day.
Most packages of Knox Gelatin come in packets of 4, so you will find it easier to buy a few boxes at a time and combine it all into a container or re-sealable bag.

SaraB

Thank you so much!!! Just added that to my Amazon cart. Do you by chance know when I would see results for her? I've never dealt with a dog that had brittle nails like this.

JParanee

I don’t know how long it takes to get into the system but I even take gelatin capsules and in. A few months after starting I noticed my nails getting smother and shinier

BulliesofNC