Do Dogs’ Nails Need Trimming, or Do They File Down Naturally?
Proper nail care is an important and often overlooked aspect of keeping your dog healthy and comfortable. But do dogs’ nails naturally wear down on their own, or do they require regular trimming? The short answer is that while activities like walking on sidewalks and rough surfaces can help wear down nails to some degree, most dogs need their nails trimmed or ground down on a regular basis to prevent overgrowth and associated problems.
In the wild, dogs’ ancestors would naturally wear down their nails through activities like running, digging, and scratching. But our modern domesticated dogs tend to be less active and have exposure to softer surfaces. This means their nails don’t file down as effectively, and can grow quite long if left untrimmed. Excessively long nails can cause pain, alter gait, and increase the risk of breaking or splitting. That’s why it’s so important for dog owners to monitor their pet’s nails and provide trims as needed. Proper nail care promotes health and comfort.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at why dogs need their nails trimmed, signs of overgrowth, how often to perform trims, safe DIY methods, and when to seek professional help. Proper nail care is a key part of responsible dog ownership.
Anatomy of Dog Nails
A dog’s nails consist of several important parts (1):
- The quick contains blood vessels and nerves. It’s the pinkish area inside the nail.
- The nail bed attaches the quick to the toe. It’s very sensitive.
- The nail matrix produces new nail cells that push the nail outward as it grows.
- The nail plate is the hard outer part of the nail that extends past the toe.
- The nail sheath wraps around the sides of the nail plate and protects the quick.
The main difference between white and black nails is visibility of the quick (2). With white nails, the quick is pink and easy to see. But with black nails, the quick blends in and is harder to identify. Cutting into the quick causes bleeding and pain. So extra caution is required when trimming dark nails.
Do Dog Nails File Down Naturally?
In the wild, a dog’s nails get worn down naturally from walking and running on rough or abrasive surfaces like rocks, dirt trails, etc. According to Rexipets, “The act of scratching can help wear down the nails naturally.” However, our domestic dogs often do not walk on surfaces rough enough to wear their nails down sufficiently.
As explained on Howimetmydog, “The ancestors of our domestic dogs would naturally wear down their nails in the wild. When they would walk on even surfaces, their nails would not make contact with the ground.” But our modern paved sidewalks, floors, and grassy yards do not provide enough abrasion.
If a domestic dog’s nails get too long, they can begin to curl, split, or break which is painful. Per IHeartDogs, overgrown nails “throw off the alignment of the feet and legs and lead to stress and strain on the joints.” Allowing nails to overgrow can also lead to the quick becoming elongated, making trimming properly very difficult.
Nail Growth Rate
The rate at which a dog’s nails grow depends on several factors:
Breed – Some breeds like German Shepherds and Dobermans tend to have faster growing nails than other breeds. Herding breeds that are active tend to wear their nails down more.
Activity Level – Dogs that are more active and walk on a variety of surfaces will wear their nails down faster than sedentary dogs. Dogs that primarily walk on soft grass may see slower wear.
Surfaces – Concrete and asphalt wear down nails much faster than dirt, grass, or carpeting. Dogs that walk primarily indoors likely need more frequent trimming.
Health – Illnesses or nutritional deficiencies can affect nail growth. Overgrown nails may be a sign of an underlying health issue.
On average, most dogs need their nails trimmed every 4-6 weeks as nails grow about 2-3 millimeters per month. However, each dog is different so monitoring wear and assessing the need for trimming is important[1]. For active dogs that wear their nails down sufficiently through activity, trimming may only be needed every 8-12 weeks.
Signs Your Dog’s Nails Are Too Long
If a dog’s nails grow too long it can cause discomfort and even lead to injuries. Some signs that a dog’s nails are too long include:
Clicking on floors – When a dog’s nails are so long they constantly click on hard floor surfaces like tile or wood as they walk. This sound generally means the nails are touching the ground when they should not be.
Twisting nails – Overgrown nails can sometimes twist to the side, becoming deformed. This twisting puts abnormal pressure on the nail bed.
Difficulty walking – Excessively long nails alter the normal angle of the foot and change a dog’s gait. This can make walking uncomfortable or awkward.
According to veterinary experts, a dog’s nails should not touch the ground when they are standing normally (source). If they hear their nails clicking or see them touching, it’s a sign their nails should be trimmed.
Owners should regularly inspect their dog’s nails and trim them before they get painfully long. If the nails are causing visible walking problems, it’s best to see a groomer or vet for a trim.
How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails
Trimming your dog’s nails is an important part of their grooming routine. While it may seem daunting at first, with some patience and the right technique, nail trimming can be quick and painless for you and your dog.
The most important tip when trimming your dog’s nails is to only cut the white part of the nail. There are blood vessels in the pink center of the nail, called the quick. Cutting into this will cause pain and bleeding. Go slowly and only take small amounts off the end to avoid hitting the quick.
It’s a good idea to have styptic powder on hand to stop bleeding if you do nick the quick. Press the powder into the nail for a few seconds until bleeding stops. It may also help to trim nails after a walk when the quick recedes a bit.
Introduce nail trimming slowly if your dog is fearful. Give them treats as you handle their paws and work up to clipping. Having a helper soothe your dog as you clip can also make the process easier on both of you.
With the right technique and positive reinforcement, regular nail trimming can become a breeze. But don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a groomer or vet if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself.
Source: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-trim-dogs-nails-safely/
Alternatives to Clipping
While clipping is the quickest way to trim a dog’s nails, some dogs strongly dislike having their nails clipped. Thankfully, there are some alternatives to clipping that can help wear down nails naturally.
One alternative is using an electric nail grinder or Dremel tool. These tools use a sanding drum to grind down the nail gently and slowly. This can be less stressful for anxious dogs compared to clipping. However, the dog will still need to be gradually trained to accept grinding (source).
Another option is scratchboards or scratch ramps. These are boards covered with sandpaper or carpet that dogs can scratch their nails on. Providing ramps and boards around the house and yard can give dogs a way to wear down their own nails. However, scratching alone may not fully shorten the nails enough.
Lastly, concrete or sidewalk walking can help file nails down over time through friction with the ground. However, the abrasion is very gradual and may only smooth sharp nail edges rather than significantly shortening them. Walking on abrasive surfaces works best in combination with other nail care methods.
When to See a Groomer or Vet
If your dog’s nails are very overgrown, discolored, or you’re unsure of how to properly trim them, it’s best to take your dog to a professional groomer or vet. Signs that it’s time for an expert trim include:
- Nails are clicking loudly on the floor
- Long nails are causing the toes to splay and affecting mobility
- You can hear the nails scraping the ground as the dog walks
- The nails have become so long they are curling and twisting
- The nail quick has grown out with the nail and is visible
Dark or pigmented nails can be especially tricky for owners to trim properly. Since the quick is harder to see, it’s easy to cut the quick accidentally if you trim too short. Professional groomers and vets are experienced in safely trimming dark nails.
Signs of a nail injury or infection also warrant a vet visit right away. These include:
- Bleeding, redness, swelling around a nail
- Discharge or a foul odor from the nail
- Sudden lameness or licking/biting at a paw
- Loss of a nail
Veterinarians can treat injured or infected nails and determine if any medication is needed. They can also show owners the proper nail length for the dog breed to aim for when trimming at home. Regular vet checks are a good idea, especially for older dogs, to stay on top of their nail health.
Preventing Overgrown Nails
Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed to a proper length is the best way to prevent overgrown nails. Establishing a regular at-home trimming schedule is crucial. The frequency will depend on factors like your dog’s breed, age, activity level, and rate of nail growth. For most dogs, trimming every 2-4 weeks is sufficient to keep the nails short.
In addition to regular trims, ensuring your dog gets exercise on hard surfaces can help wear down the nails naturally. Concrete, asphalt, and other hard ground surfaces act like a nail file as your dog walks. The friction slowly grinds the nails down. Make sure to monitor the nail length closely though, as the grinding effect may be minimal for some dogs. Hard surface exercise can supplement trimming but should not replace it.
With a diligent trimming routine and efforts to walk your dog on hard surfaces, you can stay on top of nail growth and avoid overlong nails. Check the nails at least weekly to catch any fast growth early. If you hear nails clicking or see them curving, it’s time for a trim. Staying vigilant with basic nail care will keep your dog’s nails neat, tidy and a proper length.
Conclusion
In summary, dog nails do not naturally wear down enough to maintain a proper length in most dogs. The nails continue growing and must be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth and associated health issues. It’s important for dog owners to monitor their pet’s nails weekly and trim them as needed, about every 2-4 weeks for most dogs.
Keeping your dog’s nails at an appropriate length is essential for their comfort and health. Overly long nails can cause pain, alter their gait, lead to broken nails, and exacerbate arthritis. Regular at-home nail trims with clippers or a grinder can keep your dog’s nails short. Take your dog to a professional groomer or vet if you are unable to trim the nails yourself.
With proper knowledge of nail anatomy, vigilance about nail length, and consistent trimming, dog owners can maintain healthy nails for their companion. Short nails will keep your dog active and comfortable while also protecting their joints and paws.
