Why Dogs Need Their Nails Trimmed
Overgrown nails can cause pain and problems walking for dogs. Nails that are allowed to grow too long can curve and distort the toes, forcing the dog to walk improperly and leading to issues like arthritis and tendonitis. According to The Importance of Clipping Dog’s Nails, “This is especially important in older dogs, whose posture can be dramatically improved by cutting back neglected nails.”
Long nails are also prone to breaking or splitting, which can be very painful and lead to infection. As noted in Why is it Important to Trim Your Pet’s Nails?, “Long nails are more likely to snag and tear off completely.”
When nails get too long, it prevents the toes from resting properly on the ground. This improper positioning can throw off their gait and cause muscle strains or sprains in the legs and paws. Regularly trimming the nails to an appropriate length helps keep everything aligned for proper walking.
In addition, regularly trimming dogs’ nails helps prevent problems. Routine clipping keeps the nails nice and short so they are less likely to catch on furniture, carpeting, toys, and other objects. Damaged nails from getting snagged can lead to bleeding, pain, and greater risk of infection.
Signs Your Dog’s Nails Are Too Long
There are several clear signs indicating when it’s time to trim your dog’s nails. According to Great Pet Care, the most obvious sign is hearing your dog’s nails clicking or scraping on the floor as they walk. This sound usually means the nails have grown too long and are touching the ground. Leaving nails untrimmed can cause problems.
Other signs of overgrown nails include difficulty walking, running or jumping due to the imbalance it creates. Your dog may avoid putting full pressure on their paws or start walking on the sides of their feet to avoid the discomfort of long nails. You may also notice nails curling under the paw into a spiraled shape.
As the nail overgrows, the quick (nerves and blood vessels inside the nail) will also lengthen. If you look at the nail, you may see a reddish-brown coloring starting to show through the nail above the quick. This means the quick has likely extended out with the nail. Knowing how far the quick has grown is important when trimming to avoid hitting it.
According to Bubbles Dog Grooming, leaving nails untrimmed puts unnecessary strain on the toes and can cause pain, bleeding and other problems. So keeping a close eye out for signs it’s time for a trim can help keep your dog comfortable.
How Often To Trim
Trimming a dog’s nails regularly is important for maintaining good health and preventing problems. But how often should it be done? The general guidelines are:
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Adult dogs: Every 2-4 weeks. Adult dog’s nails grow slower so can go a bit longer between clippings.
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Puppies: Every 1-2 weeks. Puppies’ nails grow rapidly as they mature, so need more frequent trimming.
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Senior dogs: Monitor closely and trim when needed. Older dogs’ nails may grow slower, so monitor length and trim accordingly.
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Active/working dogs: More often. Dogs who walk or work on harder surfaces will wear their nails down more, needing more frequent trims.
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Less active indoor dogs: Less often. Dogs who don’t walk much may need less frequent clippings.
It’s best to inspect your dog’s nails weekly and trim whenever the nails start to touch the ground. If you hear nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim! Consult your vet if you are unsure how often your dog needs nail trims.
Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/how-to-trim-a-dogs-nails
Choosing the Right Nail Clippers
It’s important to avoid using human nail clippers when trimming your dog’s nails. Human clippers are meant for soft, thin nails and will likely crack your dog’s thicker, harder nails (Source). You’ll want to invest in clippers specifically designed for dogs.
There are two main styles of dog nail clippers to choose from – guillotine and scissor clippers. Guillotine clippers have a hole with a blade that slices the nail when you squeeze the handles. Scissor clippers work more like traditional scissors, with two blades that cut when you close them.
Guillotine clippers are typically easier for beginners to handle. The scissor style gives you more control and precision. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. The most important factors are ensuring the clippers are sharp, easy to grip, and designed for your dog’s nail thickness (Source).
How to Trim Safely
Trimming your dog’s nails can be stressful, but there are some tips to make the process safer and easier on both you and your pup:
Hold the paw gently but firmly. Having a good grip will make it easier to trim the nails quickly and avoid accidents. But be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can be uncomfortable for the dog.
Identify the quick and avoid cutting it. The quick contains nerves and blood vessels, and cutting it will cause pain and bleeding. Look for the pinkish area inside the nail and cut below it, not into it. The quick recedes as you trim the nail down over time.
Cut below the quick on a slight angle. Trim just the very tip, clipping at an angle rather than straight across. This helps avoid any accidental quicking.
Only trim a small amount at a time. It’s better to take off a little bit each session rather than try to trim the nails back too far. Less pressure allows you to be more precise.
Reward with treats! Give your dog praise and small treats throughout the process to create positive associations. This will make nail trims easier in the future.
With some patience and practice trimming regularly, the process will get easier for both you and your pup. But if you accidentally hit the quick, don’t panic – just stop the bleeding and try again later. The key is building trust through a calm, rewarding approach.
Source: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-trim-dogs-nails-safely/
What Happens If You Cut The Quick
If you accidentally cut into your dog’s quick while trimming their nails, it will cause bleeding and be quite painful for your dog. The quick contains the blood vessels and nerves, so hitting this sensitive area will understandably hurt. Your dog may yelp or try to pull their paw away.
It’s important to stop the bleeding right away. You can do this by applying a small amount of styptic powder or cornstarch directly to the nail tip. The styptic powder helps constrict the blood vessels (Source). Hold steady pressure on the nail for 2-5 minutes until the bleeding stops.
Comfort your dog afterward and keep an eye on the nail to make sure bleeding doesn’t resume. It may be sensitive or sore for a day or two. Try to avoid trimming that nail again until it has fully healed.
Cutting the quick can happen from time to time accidentally. Be very careful in the future when trimming and aim to cut below the start of the quick. It’s better to trim a little at a time, rather than taking off too much at once.
Alternatives For Anxious Dogs
If your dog gets anxious or aggressive when you try to trim their nails, there are some alternatives to consider before resorting to sedation or chemical restraints:
Get a vet or professional groomer to trim the nails in a calm environment where your dog feels secure. They will be experienced in handling anxious dogs and have techniques to make it less stressful.
Desensitize your dog through positive training techniques. Work with a trainer or behaviorist to use reward-based methods to gradually get your dog used to having their paws handled and nails clipped. This addresses the root cause rather than just masking the symptoms.
Try using a nail grinder instead of clippers. The grinding tool makes less noise and vibration which can help ease anxiety. Introduce it slowly paired with treats and praise so your dog associates it with something positive.Dremel and Safari make popular nail grinders for dogs.
As a last resort, your vet may recommend anti-anxiety medication or sedation to calm your dog during nail trims. Only use drugs prescribed by your vet. Never attempt to sedate your dog at home.
Signs of Nail Problems
There are several signs that may indicate your dog is having issues with their nails that require veterinary attention:
Split nails – nails that are cracked partway through the nail bed. This can be very painful and lead to infection.
Cracked nails – nails that are fully cracked from top to bottom. These are prone to catching and tearing further.
Swollen, red, inflamed nails – this indicates a bacterial or fungal infection of the nail bed. Infected nails need to be treated with medication.
Bleeding from nails – if you notice bleeding from around the nail, it likely means the quick has been cut or torn. Applying pressure and styptic powder can help stop bleeding.
Limping/chewing on paws – if your dog seems to be in pain when walking or constantly licking their paws, the nails may be the underlying issue that needs veterinary attention.
According to Vetderm Clinic, other signs of nail problems include misshapen or curved nails, increased brittleness, and discharge around the nails.
When to See the Vet
If you accidentally cut the quick and bleeding won’t stop after 10-15 minutes of applying pressure, it’s best to see the vet. Prolonged bleeding can lead to blood loss or infection. According to PetMD, “If it is not possible to have your dog seen immediately, try to clean the area, place a bandage or light wrap over the area to keep it clean and apply pressure” (PetMD).
Signs of a nail infection or inflammation like swelling, redness, pus, foul odor or your dog licking the area also warrant a vet visit. The vet can prescribe antibiotics or medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
Some dogs get very anxious about nail trims and won’t let their owners near their paws. This may indicate underlying pain or fear issues. See your vet to rule out any medical problems. They can also recommend medications or training techniques to help anxious dogs tolerate nail trims.
Extremely long nails that are twisting, growing into the paw pads or affecting your dog’s ability to walk comfortably need to be addressed by a vet. They can safely sedate your dog and cut back the overgrown nails if they are too long for regular trimming.
Keeping Nails Healthy
There are several things you can do to promote healthy nail growth and prevent issues like brittle or cracked nails:
Provide scratching posts and pads for your dog to rub their nails on. These help file down your dog’s nails naturally and prevent overgrowth. Placing scratching posts on different surfaces like carpet and sisal rope provides variety to exercise all the nail surfaces. Rotate toys out periodically to keep your dog engaged with new scratching and filing textures (1).
Make sure your dog walks on different surfaces like concrete, turf, and dirt paths. This varies the ground stimulation on their nails, keeping the entire nail strong and preventing splits. Going on walks through neighborhoods and parks typically provides this needed diversity underfoot (2).
Give your dog interactive puzzle toys that make them manipulate objects with their paws. Working nails by grasping and twisting prevents brittleness better than just scratching. Good options are food balls, tug toys, and snuffle mats which challenge your dog to maneuver with their paws (3).
Try nail strengtheners if your dog has weak or cracked nails. These are applied like nail polish and contain fortifying proteins, vitamins, and minerals. However, be sure to consult your vet first, as they can analyze your dog’s specific deficiency and recommend the best supplement (4).
Feed your dog a nutritious diet with amino acids like methionine and vitamins that promote nail health. Your vet can advise on food options or supplements to address brittle nails based on your dog’s needs. In general, high quality dog food with animal protein provides building blocks for strong nails (5).
(1) https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-trim-your-dogs-nails
(2) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/keep-your-dogs-nails-healthy/
(3) https://www.rover.com/blog/best-dog-toys-for-healthy-nails/
(4) https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-healthy-dog-nails
(5) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/keep-your-dogs-nails-healthy/