Inc. The nails of the dog are basically an extension of its skin. The toenails of a puppy tend to be more pointed and sharp as compared to adult nails. Their rapid growth rates and sharpness require frequent trimming, sometimes more than once a month. The nails of dogs frequently become traumatized from breakage.
Dogs typically catch a nail in rugs, carpets, decks, etc.
The nail can be broken or torn. A torn nail will usually be intensely painful. All limping dogs should first be examined for a traumatized nail. Torn nails may bleed profusely for short periods of time, but this is not a serious condition. It is painful, however, and infections may develop.