Maltese bites nails

My maltese bites her nails. We have tried bitter lemon, and continue to trim nails on a regular basis. Her nails are brittle and ragged. Is there a vitamin, or something that might help? Please advise.
Sharisse

• My 5 year old retired champion Patty does this all the time. She is number one spoiled "house mouse", sleeps on the bed etc. She regularily sits by my or in bed CRUNCHES her nails. Have had vet vet check for infection, fungus, etc. We've evluated everything from the yard to cleaning material etc. -- nothing found to cause this. I also have 6 other Maltese two of whom are also "house mouses" not being groomed and kept in show coat. These two do not have the same problem so this pretty much rules out the environment. The best my vet and I can figure out is that she does this either out of boredom (I don't know why - Patty has a zillion toys) or to get attention. Her daughter who lives in Florida with a friend in a totally different environment also has been know to do this -- but none of Patty's other puppies do. Hereditary ??? My vet and I are as puzzled as you. If you come up with an answer let me know.
  Bobbie Linden - Bhe-Jei Maltese

• Yes, I know what you are talking about. It's constant. We have an appt. at the vet's next week and were planning on asking them about this. After reading similar stories, I suspect they won't have an answer.

  They don't bleed or get ragged. Just wet. And it appears that he is biting the area between the toes rather than the nails. However, that area does get red and irritated.

• My Hopper has the same problem. Every night he lies down on the edge of my bed chewing away. When we went to the same breeder to buy a female puppy we asked her of this strange problem. She said she had never heard of it & she has about 32 maltese. Well we started to notice the same problem on Hailey our puppy. I sometimes think she learned it from Hopper.
  Alexis

• In regards to the nail bitting, my Ricki also does this. My first reactions were to have a fit and do things to my dog to redirect his attention. (eg. rub belly, cover his feet and cuddle) WHAT POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT, Ricki begin Bitting more. Now when he does this I put Bitter Orange on his toes (this is good for about five minutes), and go to the next room. When Ricki follows, then I'll pet and play with him or show him his bone. But I try not to make it a big deal any more.
  Chuck and Ava