Does your dog scratch you when they hop up on your lap? Do their little paws make clicking noises as they run across the floor?
Your furry friend's nails might be too long. If they aren't trimmed soon, it could affect their posture. It could also cause infections and injuries if left alone for too long.
How often should you trim your dog's nails? That depends on the surfaces in your home, the food you feed them, and their breed.
Some dogs have health conditions that require them to have their nails trimmed more often, as well. Check out this guide to learn more.
Why Is Trimming Your Dog's Nails Important?
As stated above, overgrown dog nails can lead to a lot of health problems for your furry friend. It can put them in a considerable amount of pain, and it will be difficult for them to get enough of a grip on the floor to run around your home.
Long nails can cause infections, injuries, and splayed feet. It's dangerous for you and your property as well.
Pain
If you don't clip a dog's nails on a normal basis, every time they take a step, they'll push back on their nail bed. It hurts.
Your dog will test out different postures in an attempt to walk without hurting themselves. It can cause them to develop a limp that will continue long after you have their nails trimmed.
It's Difficult for Them to Get a Good Grip
If you have tile and hardwood in your home, it will be difficult for your pet to get a good grip as they run around. It will cause them to splay their legs often, which can put a lot of pressure on their bones and joints.
Your furry friend may develop arthritic conditions or make already present arthritic conditions worse.
Infections
When you don't take your dog in for regular trimmings, you put their nails at risk of splitting. When this happens, it will expose the quick.
If the quick is exposed, it will leave the nail in question vulnerable to a painful infection.
Injuries
The longer your dog's nails are, the more likely they are to get caught on objects and break. Depending on the length of the nail, it could get ripped off completely.
Not only would that hurt the poor dog, but it can also cause a dangerous infection.
Splayed Feet
Sometimes instead of growing straight out, a dog's nails will splay out to the side. To accommodate the growth, the dog's toes will naturally tilt to the side, too.
After a while, this will lead to your dog's feet becoming deformed. It will be more difficult for them to run and play.
Ingrown Nails
If you own a smaller dog breed, such as a chihuahua, they could develop ingrown nails. The nail will grow to the point that it will curl and begin to turn toward the paw pad.
The nail will dig into the paw, and cause the dog a great deal of pain. It also increases their chance of slips and falls.
Long Nails Are Dangerous for You and Your Property
As your dog jumps into your lap for pets, their little nails will dig into your leg. If their nails are too long, they could scratch you. All the bacteria resting under their nails will be transferred to you when that happens.
Your dog's long nails can also scratch up your hardwood floors and expensive furniture.
How Often Should You Trim Your Dog's Nails?
How often should you trim your dog's nails? The truth is that while many people have their pet's nails filed down every other week or so, all canines are different.
There are several factors that will play into your dog's trimming schedule. Here's what you should consider.
Surface Type
If your dog spends a lot of their time outside on the pavement, that will grind their nails down for you to a point. You'll still have to take them to the groomers, but not nearly as often.
Indoor dogs that walk around on the carpet and don't get walks on the pavement, will need more frequent trimmings.
Diet
What do you feed your best friend on a normal basis? If their food is rich in certain vitamins and minerals, their nails will grow a bit faster than normal. You'll have to make frequent grooming appointments to keep up.
Age
Older dogs aren't as active as they were when they were a puppy. It's harder for them to run around and enjoy themselves.
Since they can't dig or partake in activities that will help grind their nails down, you have to do it for them.
Breed
Dogs bred to hunt burrowing animals have a tougher time with long nails than others.
If your dog is a dachshund or terrier, it will need to take frequent trips to the groomers.
Health Conditions
No dog is immune from certain health conditions such as nail bed infections, auto-immune disorders, allergies, fungal infections, and tumors. All these issues can affect the growth rate of a dog's nails.
Keep Your Dog's Nails Short
If your dog's nails click on the floor as they walk or they seem to be limping, it might be time for you to take them to the groomer.
How often should you trim your dog's nails? While every canine is different, certain factors will cause their nails to grow faster. Go here to book a nail trimming appointment with us today and keep your furry friend comfortable!