Nails worn down to stubs

[hunnybunny]

A bit of a strange question maybe, but can dogs manage okay if they wear their nails right down
My dogs who has HD/Ostoarithritis has worn his back nails right down to stubs
I did mention it to my vet, but he didn,t seem to make much of it.
My dogs front nails are fine, i suppose not a lot i can do but as hes only 17mths old i am wondering what will happen if he wears them right off, will he still beable to walk without nails ?
Thanks if anyones got any advice.

[Gail P]

My Flurry wears his corner nails and dew claws down to stubs because when we're out doing chores he runs circles around the other dogs and/or horses so much. Big wide circles, around and around so he's leaning in on a curve and the corner nails and stabilizing dew claws wear. I used to worry about it but it doesn't seem to bother him. I think if it happens gradually the quick recedes and so it's not painful. If it wore down suddenly (too much work on rough surfaces) it would quick the nail and make it bleed. If you're worried you could always use booties to protect the feet and nails, or feed a supplement that will help the nails grow quicker. Not sure if zinc helps with nails but mushers swear by it to help toughen the pads.

ETA: I should have specified, I was referring to feeding a zinc supplement, such as zin-pro or zinc gluconate tablets, not a topical application of zinc. I'm pretty sure the zinc supplement is supposed to be good for nails and coats as well as toughening the pads. Creams or ointments such as zinc oxide (diaper rash cream, that also contains lanolin etc) can also be beneficial if the pads get abraded or cracked.

[bendyfoot]

Is the dog knuckling when he walks?

[hunnybunny]

Thanks Gail P for the advice i do already use a zinc supplement so hopefully that will help.
The booties i never thought of , what a good idea thanks for that

bendyfoot, no he doesn,t really knuckle , it must just be how he puts his weight unevenly on his back legs.

Thanks guys .