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Old October 8th, 2009, 04:59 PM
PennyAnn PennyAnn is offline
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Brittle flaking nails on 1 year old Chessie

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar problem and if so what did you do? My one year old Chessapeak bay retriever has very brittle dry, and flaking nails. They bleed when I excercise him. Is it dietary or the sign of a health prolbem? He does not seem to be bothered by it, but I'm worried. Should I just take him to the vet? I usually get great answers on this forum. Please help.
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Old October 8th, 2009, 07:46 PM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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If the nails are so brittle as to bleed when he exercises, the first step should definitely be a vet visit. Once you get a diagnosis, you'll best know how to treat it.

Out of curiosity, what are you feeding him? Does he have flaky, dry, maybe itchy skin as well?
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Old October 8th, 2009, 08:44 PM
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luckypenny luckypenny is offline
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I'd say a vet visit is a good idea too....and I'm also interested in what he's eating.

Does he happen to chew his nails by any chance?
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Old October 12th, 2009, 02:27 PM
PennyAnn PennyAnn is offline
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The Chessie does have dry flaky skin as well. He is eating purina pro plan. Its my daughters dog and I have my Brittney on a raw diet. My daughter cannot afford the raw diet as yet. When her finances get better then she will be seeing my holistic vet. In the meantime I agree about a vet visit. I really think its allergies. He is not bitting his nails or chewing at his paws.
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Old October 12th, 2009, 07:32 PM
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luckypenny luckypenny is offline
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I'm willing to bet it's the poor quality food.

If finances are an issue, Kirkland Chicken and Rice kibble (available at Costco) is a much better choice for value/quality and is less expensive than the Pro Plan. Your daughter may want to add Salmon oil and Vitamin E (if the Salmon oil doesn't already contain it) supplements, also available at Costco, to her dog's meals. A raw egg, shell and all, a few times a week is also a healthy treat for her dog.

You may also want to guide her to the raw forum here as there are great ideas/tips on feeding raw inexpensively.
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Old October 13th, 2009, 01:51 PM
PennyAnn PennyAnn is offline
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Thank you so much for your advice. There is a costco not too far away and I think I will take her there. I will also try the oil, I think it will make a difference.
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