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.
As long nails hit the ground, it puts force on the foot and leg structure. This force can potentially lead to arthritis and ongoing pain. The growth pattern of a dog's nails forms a curved shape. If left untrimmed, the claws will eventually curve under the dog's paws and dig into the skin, creating pain when they walk.
Untrimmed nails can curl and grow into your dog's skin or paw pads, resulting in an infection and pain. This is true of all nails, but especially the dewclaws. Long nails are more likely to get hung up on things and torn off. If your dog is especially active, this could cause them injury.
If your puppy's nails grow too long, it can be painful for both you and them. As their nails grow, their paws/toes start to spread which means as they walk, their ankles are put under stress. To help prevent future issues and immediate pain, we recommend cutting your dog's nails regularly around every 1-2 months.
Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed approximately once monthly. Dogs that are frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go a bit longer between nail trims, because walking on a hard, rough surface can help file the nail.
It is therefore important to keep your dog's claws well trimmed at the correct length. If they get too long it can put pain and pressure on the toes and paws, which will ultimately put strain on the legs. Long claws are also prone to splitting and infection.
The 'quick', which is at the centre of the nail, is a fleshy area with blood vessels and nerves inside. So, when cutting, it's important to avoid this as it can bleed a lot, be very sensitive and painful. If you are unsure where the quick could be, it's always best to get professional help or advice from your vet.
Filing reduces the chances of hitting a nerve.
Most pet owners accidentally clip the quick, causing bleeding and varying levels of pain depending on how deep and far up the quick the cut is made. If your dog has black or dark nails, rather than translucent, you won't be able to see the quick.
Make sure their nails actually need clipping
Check how the nails look when your dog is standing. Sometimes you can see the very tip of the nail tapering to a thin point, which might begin to curve slightly — this may mean they need clipping. They might also start to become snagged on rugs and material like bedding, …
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.
If your dog is a bit nervous, stressed or upset about having his nails clipped, or at worst tries to nip you, do not try to clip his nails yourself – it's fine to ask your vet to do it. Most veterinary practices have clinics where dog nail clipping can be done easily and cheaply.
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.
It is best to clip your puppy's nails once a week, and only when using professional nail clippers that are designed for the shape of a dog's nails (they are markedly different from human or cat nails).
When you fail to trim your dog's nails as frequently as needed, the quick grows along with the nail. In some cases, when the nails are extra-long, the quick may lengthen so much that it reaches the tip. When this happens, you won't be able to trim much nail without risking cutting through the quick.
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.
Generally, your dog's nails shouldn't touch the ground when he's standing upright on all four feet. There is no hard and fast rule as to how far from the floor those nails should be; it varies from dog to dog. If the nails click on the floor, they are usually too long.
Use a soothing voice to keep her calm as you gently rub her paws. Then focus on the toes, giving each one a soft squeeze. Next apply gentle pressure to the nail itself. If your dog becomes scared or pulls back her paw, stop for a bit and continue only when she settles down.
Clip only the tip of the nail, straight across. Include the dewclaws, located on the inner side of the paw. Avoid clipping past the curve of the nail or you risk hitting what is called the quick (the pink area of the nail that contains the blood vessels). A nick there is painful and will bleed.
If your dog's nails are clear, you can see the pink color inside the nail towards the paw. This is called the quick and you want to avoid it when you trim. The nail will bleed and your dog will cry; it's just as painful as it is for us when one of our nails breaks into the quick.
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.
You can usually walk your dog within an hour after cutting the quick. Provided it was only a small cut, and you stopped the bleeding, there is no reason not to walk your dog. The only matter you want to keep in mind is how deep the cut is and whether you take some precautions.