Caring for Your Dog’s Nails and Why It’s So Important
Nail trimming is an essential part of maintaining your dog’s hygiene that should be done regularly. Keeping your dog’s nails at an appropriate length isn’t all about looks, it can actually affect their overall health and comfort.
Over time, nails that are too long can cause spine and posture problems, difficulty walking, limited movement, or other serious injury; especially if they’re so long that they touch the ground. Overgrown nails significantly decrease your dog’s quality of life, which means trimming your dog's nails is truly an act of love! Even if they don’t see it that way ;)
NAIL CLIP VS. NAIL GRIND
There are two basic styles of nail clippers for dogs: a scissors type and a guillotine type; they both work equally well.
You can also grind nails down with a Dremel tool (also called a nail grinder) specifically created for dog’s nails. The Dremel uses a special sandpaper-type bit and a 30,000 RPM speed to grind the nails down quickly and safely. For some dogs, it may be advantageous to grind their nails rather than clip them, or to clip them and then finish with a grinder to smooth off the edges, so they don't snag and rip.
Grinding can sometimes be easier on dogs (and the nail trimmer) since you can take it slower, which reduces the chance of cutting the nerve or blood vessel. Using a grinder also means it's easier to trim closer to a long quick, which helps the quick recede over time. This is important for dogs with long, uncomfortable nails – you can only cut their nails so short, depending on where the quick is. Regular nail grinds can get the quick back under control.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY DOG’S NAILS BE TRIMMED?
Keeping nail trimming consistent is key, since waiting too long can hamper your dogs’ posture and cause pain. As a rule of thumb, your dog’s nails should be trimmed when they just about touch the ground when they walk. If your pup’s nails are clicking or getting snagged on the floor, it’s time for a trim.
Just like human nails, your dog’s claws grow constantly. How often their nails need to be cut will depend on the breed and lifestyle, which can change with age. Many dogs naturally wear their nails down by walking and play, especially if the walk involves hard surfaces. An inactive dog may not wear their nails down. Similarly, an older dog will often favor grass and softer ground, so their nails will not naturally wear down as much. For leisurely living dogs, this might mean weekly trims, while urban pups who walk city sidewalks can go longer between clippings.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T MAINTAIN MY DOG’S NAILS?
Your pup’s anxiety around nail trimming may make you wonder how necessary it actually is to keep their nails nice and short. If nails get too long it can put pain and pressure on the toes and paws, which will ultimately put strain on the legs. Nails that have grown too long may:
Split and break, which can be painful
Lead to an infection
Become caught in carpets or other surfaces
Make walking or running uncomfortable and difficult
Cause irreversible damage or deformities to the paws or legs
It is therefore imperative to keep your dog's claws well-trimmed at the correct length!
MY DOG HATES HAVING THEIR FEET TOUCHED. WHAT DO I DO?
While humans may appreciate a routine mani/pedi, it’s common for dogs not to love having their nails cut.
Some dogs don’t like to have their feet touched, so it’s always a good idea to get your dog used to it before you attempt to clip his nails – ideally, this should start when they’re young. Practice rubbing your hand up and down their leg and then gently pressing each toe – be sure to give them lots of praise and treats!
Other dogs show fearful or aggressive behavior when faced with nail trimming. Watch carefully for signs of distress such as panting, drooling, trembling, whining, freezing, cowering, tail-tucking, growling, snarling or snapping. Even with the most patient and gradual of introductions, there are dogs who seem unable to get over their terror.
If you feel uncomfortable trimming your pup’s nails, and prefer to leave it to the pros, then give Scenthound a call! Start by visiting www.scenthound.com to find the Scenter nearest you. Our experienced technicians are trained in how to manage various behaviors and are very skilled in handling all kinds of dogs. Our Monthly Clean Club is a good option for some dogs who have fears around routine care. We have found that the more frequently a dog visits our Scenter, the more comfortable and trusting they become.
Beyond hygiene, routine nail care is important for your dog’s health. It’s best to start this routine when your dog is young, so they get used to clippers or nail grinders. Overgrown nails can be painful and could lower their overall quality of life. If your dog’s nails appear long or brittle, or if you hear a constant clicking sound when they walk, those are clear signs that it is time for a trim!
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Dr. Jim MacLean
Chief Veterinarian, Scenthound
Dr. MacLean’s first job was working as a grooming assistant when he was 15 years old. Since then, he has worked in every aspect of small animal veterinary hospitals, has practiced in small animal medicine and surgery for 26 years, and has owned and started multi-doctor veterinary hospitals.
With a mind for both medicine and business, Jim received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from VMRCVM at Virginia Tech in 1994 and his MBA from Georgetown University in 2011.
Coming full circle, he joined the Scenthound pack to bring his expertise and experience to the grooming world. As chief veterinarian, Dr. MacLean guides Scenthound from a health and medicine perspective and helps achieve our mission to improve overall pet health on a broader scale.