Maintaining your dog's nail length is a vital aspect of grooming and overall health. Long nails can cause problems like ingrown nails and discomfort during walks. Regularly trimming your dog’s nails, whether monthly or bimonthly based on your dog's needs, will prevent these issues.
Moreover, frequent trims will acclimate your dog to the process, helping him remain calm over time. When trimming your dog's nails, it's crucial to avoid cutting them too short to prevent pain. If your dog has white nails, you can check where the quick—the sensitive part inside the nail—begins by holding his paw against the light; it appears pinkish.
For dogs with black nails, it's difficult to see the quick, so just trim the tips to avoid cutting into it. If you do trim too close and cause bleeding, stay calm and apply a quick-stop powder to stop the bleeding and ease discomfort. Allow your dog some time to relax before attempting another trim if he seems distressed.
Trimming your dog’s nails is essential for their health and comfort. Long nails can cause pain and discomfort as they put pressure back into the nail bed when touching the ground. This can lead to difficulty walking and even joint issues over time. Furthermore, nails that are too long are at risk of splitting or becoming ingrown, both of which can cause pain and lead to infections.
To properly use nail clippers on your dog, first choose the right type of clippers for your dog’s nail structure and your comfort, such as guillotine, scissor-type, or grinder. Hold your dog’s paw firmly and gently to stabilize it. Carefully identify the quick, which is the pink part of the nail where nerves and blood vessels reside, to avoid cutting into it. Trim slowly and only cut small amounts of the nail at a time. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to cut less. After cutting, you may use a file or grinder to smooth the edges, which prevents snagging on carpets or furniture.
The frequency of nail trimming depends on your dog’s activity level and lifestyle. Dogs that frequently walk on hard surfaces may naturally wear their nails down and need less frequent trimmings. Conversely, dogs that are less active and spend more time indoors might need their nails trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks. A good rule of thumb is to trim your dog's nails when you can hear them clicking on hard floors as they walk. Regular monitoring and trimming will ensure your dog remains comfortable and healthy.
Every dog needs help when it comes to their nails. Overgrowth can be painful for them. Making sure their nails are trimmed can help prevent painful walking, broken nails and more.
Check out our Petpost Blog on How to Groom Your Dog At Home for more nail clipping tips!