Dog Nails

Photo by Kristine Zale on Unsplash

Dogs these days spend less time running and walking on hard surfaces that naturally file down their nails. Most dogs are largely kept indoors so keeping their nails short is part of the owner’s responsibility—and one that should be taken seriously. This is not about how your pet’s paws look but about the dog’s safety and comfort.

“When a dog’s nails grow too long they can put too much weight on the nail beds, which can cause the nails to split which can be very painful for dogs,” said Elizabeth Toc, co-owner of the Tailored Tail. “Unfortunately, some serious problems require intervention from a veterinarian.”

Worst case scenario of leaving nails long is if left unattended, the untrimmed nails will eventually push against the paw, puncture the paw pad, and cause infections. If you have ever had an ingrown toenail, this is what it would be like for your dog. And to compensate for the pain, the dog might shift its weight causing a whole host of other problems. Older dogs that suffer from arthritis are especially prone to pain caused by untrimmed nails due to the pressure that is put on the joints.

Most pet owners are intimidated by the idea of trimming their dog’s nails, and that’s where the professional groomer can be of assistance.

“Groomers are experienced at trimming nails and have the right equipment to do it without stressing out your pet—or the owner,” Toc said. “If not done correctly, nail trimming can lead to bleeding and/or infection.”

A dog’s nails are similar to a human, made of keratin, and overhang from each paw. The claws are curved and cone shaped and beneath the nail is a fleshy part called the quick, which supplies the nails with valuable nutrients. The quick has all the nerves and blood vessels of the nail so it is important for owners not to cut the quick—another reason to use a professional groomer for this task. According to veterinarians, cutting the quick can cause bleeding and discomfort for the dog, and the need for owners to know how to stop the bleeding.

Toc said you will know when it is time to visit the groomer for nail clipping when you can hear the dog’s nails on the floor or ground, or if you see they extend over the paw. As a general rule of thumb, nails need to be clipped every four or six weeks.