Is your dog limping while they walk? They may not be suffering from a hurt paw. Their nails might just be too long.
If you don't cut their nails soon, they could break off at the quick. This will lead to further pain and infection. For dogs with arthritis, long nails will only worsen their condition.
Your dog's nails could also scratch up your beautiful wooden floor and rip your furniture.
As you can see, trimming dog nails is important, but not every puppy likes to corporate with the process. Check out this guide for a few trimming tips that work.
How Often Should You Trim Your Dog's Nails?
Cutting nails weekly or biweekly is recommended to keep your dog comfortable. There are a few factors that will skew this a little.
If you often guide your dog across concrete during their walks, that will help keep their nails at reasonable levels until you can get them to a groomer or trim their nails yourself. On the flip side of this, if you have carpeted floors or your dog spends most of their time on the grass, they'll need their nails cut more often.
Dogs that enjoy digging will wear their nails down on their own. Their nails may grow a little faster (or slower), depending on what you feed them.
Why Is Regular Trimming So Important?
Chances are, if you can hear your dog's nails clicking on the ground when they run, it's time for a nail trimming.
If you put it off for too long, their nails will begin to scratch up your furniture. Long nails also cause dogs a great deal of discomfort. This is especially true if they happen to break off.
Discomfort
As your dog runs, the shock from their nails hitting the pavement or even your carpet could cause them a great deal of pain. Long nails can also affect your dog's posture. This can lead to inflamed joints.
When you're dog is playing, their nail may get caught on something and tear off. Long nails will begin to curl up and into the dog's paw pads. Not only is that painful, but it can also cause a nasty infection.
Mobility Issues
If you have hardwood floors, your dog's feet won't be able to gain traction thanks to their long nails. Their legs will splay out, which will wear on their muscles and joints.
If you have an older pet that has arthritis, splaying their legs will only make their condition worse. If your dog doesn't already have arthritis, not trimming their nails will cause them to develop it eventually.
Long Nails Mean Trouble for You and Your Furniture
When you pick up your pet, their long nails will dig into your skin. When this happens, they'll transfer all the bacteria on their nails to you.
If you're on blood thinners, and your dog's nails scratch you, it could cause bleeding that's difficult to stop.
Long nails won't only do damage to you. They can also scratch up your floors and rip your furniture.
Broken Nails
Long nails are prone to splitting. If the quick is exposed, it could become infected.
Even if the exposed quick doesn't become infected, it's quite painful to walk on it. Every time your dog bumps into something, it will send shocks through their paw.
Nail Trimming Tips
Anxiety in dogs is normal when nail trimming is involved. It's not strange for them to squirm or fight against you.
That's why you have to get them comfortable before you get started. From there, it's all a matter of being careful not to clip their nails too much.
Get Your Dog Comfortable
The biggest hurdle to overcome when it comes to trimming your dog's nails will be getting them used to the idea. You'll need to spend a few days introducing them to the clippers.
On the first day, let them sniff it. On day two, let them touch the clippers with their paw. Don't try to force it.
You won't do any real trimming until day 5. Take a small bit away from one nail. On day 6, you'll up the anty to two nails.
As you work your way up to day 6, be sure to reward your dog for milestones. When they sniff the clippers without hesitation or touch them, give them a treat.
Start Clipping
To trim your dog's nails, pick up their foot gently in your hand. Place your thumb on the pad of the toe you're trimming and put your index finger on the top.
Extend the nail outward by pressing on the pad and pulling your thumb backward while pushing your index finger forward. Clip only the tip of the nail. If you go further than that, you risk clipping the quick.
Grinding Their Nails
Some dogs respond better to grinding than clipping. While supporting your dog's foot, use the grinding tool along the bottom of your dog's nail and bring it around to the tip.
As you grind your dog's nails, be on the lookout for any sensitivities. If the dog seems uncomfortable, stop right away.
The Trick to Trimming Dog Nails
Trimming dog nails is important for their health. If you put it off too long, your pet will begin to experience pain and discomfort. They could even develop lifelong conditions such as arthritis.
If you're nervous about trimming your dog's nails, you're not alone. Many pet owners are worried about hurting their furry friends.
That's why we offer full-service grooming and nail trimming. Go here to book a reservation!