When your dog is around you, it’s common to see odd behavior that is going to wonder what’s going on in their head. This can include a long list of things and one of them will be your dog nibbling at your nails. This might seem weird at first but there’s always a reason for this type of behavior. You may wonder out loud, “Why does my dog nibble my nails?”
Dogs will often nibble at your nails to show affection, lick food residue, and/or determine whether or not your ill. For dogs, your nails can be a wonderful way to learn more about your current status and that includes your health.
It’s always important to pay attention to what your dog does because it will stand out. If a dog is nibbling at your nails then it may have to do with one of those reasons.
Key reasons include:
- Easier to Nibble at the Nails
- Stronger Scent Near the Nails
- Constant Change
It is these details that are going to matter the most when it comes to a dog nibbling at your nails. Take your time focusing on what they are doing as that will matter the most.
If you don’t pay attention to the dog’s desire to nibble at your nails, you may miss out on other behavioral traits too. It is these subtleties that let you know more about your dog.
This article will go through the nuances of the question “Why does my dog nibble my nails?” while also looking at what to look for when your dog does this.
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Reasons for Why Dogs Nibble At Your Nails
1. Showing Affection
Affection is one of the main reasons for a dog nibbling at your fingernails.
For a dog, your fingernails are going to be closer to them depending on whether you are sitting and/or standing. Due to the scent that comes off of the fingernails, it is easy for the dog to move towards them.
As they get nearer, they will want to show affection and this can be seen with a bit of nibbling.
Not all dogs are going to do this, but some will and that is what you have to focus on.
If your dog is biting your nails then it is likely down to showing affection. It is a sign they are comfortable being around you and believe you are their pack member. This is the type of behavior they would participate in with other pack members in the wild.
2. Attracted to Food Residue
When asking “Why does my dog nibble my nails?”, you will want to look at the basics and that has to do with food.
Remember, food is a great motivator for dogs and that isn’t going to change when they are around you. Their nose is sharp and that is something they will put to use throughout the day.
As a result, the food residue under your fingernails from cooking and/or eating will play a role in the dog nibbling your nails.
The dog is going to notice the scent right away, especially if you just ate moments before.
This is often when a dog will look towards your fingernails and want to be around your hands.
3. Determining Your Health
There are times when the dog is going to want to determine your health by nibbling at the fingernails.
Some dogs will look towards your stomach, others will nibble at your ears, and some will nibble at your nails. It is just their way of looking at your health and figuring out whether or not you’re healthy.
It’s a little test they will do from time to time if they feel you are ill.
Researchers have spent years looking into this and it tends to do with your scent and how it changes upon illness. They will pick up on this right away.
Related Questions
1. Why Does my Dog Nibble Me With Her Front Teeth?
Dogs will often nibble with their front teeth as it is a common behavior they learn from a young age. Most puppies will start biting with their front teeth and this tends to carry into adulthood including when they are affectionately nibbling at you.
Final Thoughts
“Why does my dog nibble my nails?”
For the average dog, your hand is going to be dripping with food-related scents and that is why they will want to enjoy what the fingernails have to offer.
It often shows the dog is happy to be around you and there is nothing to be worried about.
Here is more on dogs – dogs that choke to death, dogs that nudge cats, feeding salamanders to dogs, and dogs that refuse to listen to their names.