Dogs naturally wear down their nails through daily activities like walking, running, and digging, especially on hard, rough surfaces such as pavement, concrete, or gravel, which grinds the nail tips down. However, many indoor dogs or those on soft ground don't get enough natural wear, requiring owners to trim them, as the nails will grow too long and potentially cause pain or issues.
Unless there's something wrong with the dog's paw, the nails get naturally worn down by walking and stay an appropriate length.
Adding some hard ground or pavement walking to your daily routine can be enough to keep your dog's nails trim and mean you won't need to clip them. But if your dog is small and light, they may not weigh enough for their nails to wear down naturally through exercise.
“Dogs that are walked on concrete will file their nails naturally and may not need nail trims as often,” Dr. Karwacki says.
Animals which live in the wild "use up" their nails during their daily life. Digging, running on hard ground, climbing slowly wear the nails away. Much as with all animals who have nails, claws or horns really. Side note: rodents have continously growing teeth which they use up while they feed.
Pain and Discomfort
Overgrown nails can cause: Constant pressure on the nail bed, leading to soreness. Difficulty walking, making it painful for dogs to move around. Nails curling into the paw pads, which can be extremely painful and may even cause infections.
Although it has been somewhat common in Canada and the United States, declawing is considered an act of animal cruelty in many countries, (see "Declawing practices" below) as it causes physical and psychological suffering to the animal (although the extent of this suffering is subject to debate).
Investing time and effort into regular nail trimming will not only improve your dog's comfort but also contribute to their overall quality of life. So, let's keep those paws trim and your furry friend happy!
Benadryl Dose for Dogs
As a general rule of thumb, use 1 milligram per pound of your dog's body weight. For example, a 50-pound dog would be given two 25 milligram tablets. Small dogs under 25 pounds can be given children's liquid Benadryl.
After cutting a dog's nails, the edges can often feel very rough or sharp, which means they can easily scratch the floor, furniture, or you. Instead of waiting a week or so for these pokey edges to wear themselves down naturally, you can instead get a dog nail file and round out their nails.
Your dog's toenails should be short enough that they don't touch the ground when walking. However, you should not cut past the “quick” in your dog's nails, which is the living tissue that exists beneath the nails. Cutting this tissue can cause bleeding and pain.
From a top view, it is virtually impossible to see the quick. However, it can help to look at the bottom of your dog's black nails; there may be a groove on the underside that separates the hard nail from the soft cuticle. You will want to avoid trimming into the soft cuticle because it contains your dog's nail quick.
Many dogs do not like having their nails trimmed and some are outright petrified. Dogs can be taught to file their own nails using a nail board. Dogs learn to scratch on the board using a scratching or digging motion. Nail boards can be purchased, or hand made using a board, duct tape, and coarse or medium sandpaper.
Professional Assistance: If you're uncomfortable trimming your dog's nails, or if they are severely overgrown, consider taking your dog to a professional groomer or veterinarian. They can safely trim the nails and provide guidance on maintaining them at a healthy length.
Dog's nails should not be touching the floor when your dog is standing straight on all four paws (refer to picture below). If the nails touch the floor they may be pushing up on the toe and causing an uncomfortable and unnatural foot position.
It's not about pampering; trimming your dog's nails is essential to keeping your pup healthy. Without regular nail trimming, your pet can experience pain and discomfort from increased pressure when walking, running, or playing.
I would not recommend sedating your dog on your own. Often, a veterinarian and technicians can successfully trim nails even when the owner can't, because dogs tend to act especially fearful when their owner is doing it. If the vet also can't get the job done, talk to them about other options.
Until training is complete, it is important you do not ask someone, including your groomer or veterinarian, to trim the nails. If the nails are very long and need trimming, your veterinarian can use a light sedative to quickly trim the nails so that there is no fear or struggle involved.
If the quick is nicked, the result is somewhat similar to pulling a hangnail on a person – a sharp burst of pain that does not dissipate, and often there is bleeding as well. Many animals who have been “quicked” will cry out and flail, and they become naturally wary of nail trims.
Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed approximately once a month. Dogs that are frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go longer between nail trims, because walking on a hard, rough surface can help file the nail.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
There's absolutely no doubt that euthanasia is a terribly sad thing to experience – no matter what side of the examination table you are on. And performing this routine day in and day out has a resounding effect on veterinarians everywhere.