Broken nails are uncommon on most pets if their nails are trimmed or worn short. If your pet plays around enough and is groomed regularly it is unlikely to experience a broken nail. Occasionally, a pet may get its nail snagged or caught on something causing the nail to break. Dew claws and overgrown nails are commonly affected. It is a painful and usually bloody problem to deal with since there are so many blood vessels that run in the toes.