Fourthly, Australian Shepherds require regular nail trimming. You should trim their nails every few weeks to prevent them from becoming too long and uncomfortable.
A dog's nails should sit right at the level of his paw. If they are curling over his paw or curling at all, it's time for a nail trim. This is especially important for the dewclaw since it does not get worn down by regular walking.
Dogs need their nails clipped on a regular basis, approximately every 3-4 weeks; however, it is common for owners to wait too long in between trimmings which can lead to a number of health issues for the animal. For cats, a routine claw trimming every 10-14 days will keep your pet healthy.
That's partly because they are growing faster than older dogs'. Clipping a tiny bit each week is often necessary to keep puppy nails under control. It also helps get your pup used to having their paws handled and nails clipped. Older dogs can typically go two to three weeks between trims.
Correct length for a dog's nails. If a dog's nails are too long, you will hear them clack when the dog walks on hard surfaces. Deciding if your dog's nails are too long is quite simple. The claws should not protrude over the pad and should not touch the ground when standing.
Without regular nail trimming, your pet can experience pain and discomfort from increased pressure when walking, running, or playing. This can also cause mobility issues, especially in older dogs, due to a lack of traction on hard surfaces such as tile or wood flooring.
The best way to determine whether your dog is due for a nail trim is to closely examine your dog's nails. Get down low on the ground and look to see whether your dog's nails touch the ground. If they do, they are too long and should be trimmed.
Dog nails are soft when they are wet. So a good time to trim your dog's nails is after a bath. This also dampens the clipping sound of nail clippers that freaks some dogs out. Note: This may not be a good time if your dog is anxious after a bath - only cut nails when your dog is calm and happy.
Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors walking on hard surfaces will have nails that are shorter and blunter than dogs who spend the majority of their days indoors and do not take long walks on hard surfaces. Dogs who don't walk or run on hard surfaces will need their nails trimmed more often.
Rear dewclaws, however, are remnants of the first toe which most members of the dog family lack on their hind legs. They are non-functional and should be removed in breeds where they aren't required (including Aussies.)
Professionally groomed Aussies should easily be able to be maintained with only monthly grooming, even if you choose to never brush your dog between grooming.
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.
Quite a few dogs are ambidextrous or use both paws equally. Breeds more likely to use their paws to communicate also more prone to digging. Dog breeds that use their paws a lot include boxers, dachshunds, terriers, beagles, miniature schnauzers, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Australian shepherds.
People remove front dewclaws for easier grooming or to make the front leg look smoother; some feel it presents an unnecessary risk of injury to dogs working in rough terrain. The breed standards allow it but there is compelling reason not to remove them. The front dewclaws are equivalent to our thumbs.
Nails soften if soaked in water. Try trimming nails after bathtime or let your dog stand in a few inches of water in the bathtub for about 15 minutes.
Treats –Having a few treats on hand might seem a bit obvious. However, treating your dog during nail trimming is a great way to distract him from what is going on. Natural peanut butter on a spoon will keep them preoccupied while you work. Treats also work as a reinforcement.
When done improperly, nail trimming can be stressful, painful, and make future nail trims nearly impossible to do yourself. But when done the right way, nail trimming is a painless process that your dog can learn to tolerate.
Even veterinarians and experts disagree on how often you should bathe your pup but the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends a baseline of once every three months.
The amount of time between nail trims depends on how quickly your dog's nails grow and how quickly they are worn down. The average dog should have his nails clipped every three to four weeks, but it should be done as often as needed to keep the nail from touching the ground when your dog is standing.
Your dog will forgive you, but could be wary the next time you bring out the clippers so it's important to build back up that positive experience. Not all dogs are going to be comfortable with having their feet touched, let alone having their nails clipped!
For millions of years, wild dogs have run long distances while hunting, and worn their nails short. The only time their toenails would touch the ground was when climbing a hill.
The cutting blade should be closest to you, not the dog. Be sure not to cut too short, as the nail will bleed. Nails should be cut from underneath at a 45-degree angle.