The Importance of Cutting Your Dog's Nails

Can you hear your dog approaching by the clicking sound of their nails on the floor? If so, your pups manicure/pedicure is long over due.  Trimming your dog's nails is important to your dogs health and should be a part of their regular grooming routine.

If your dog's nails are too long they can interfere with their ability to walk properly.  When nails become too long they shift the dog's weight to the back portion of their paws. Although you may not be able to tell by looking at their feet, or the way they walk, the difference the weight distribution can put excess pressure on legs and joints.

Long nails also have the potential to catch on carpets, furniture, or other surfaces that could pull on the nail and cause damage or discomfort. Sharp or rough nails can easily scratch and cause damage. Regular nail maintenance will keep your dog's paws safe and comfortable.

When your dog walks you should not hear their nails clicking on the ground. Trim about every two weeks to keep at a proper length.  Nail maintenance can be done at home with canine nail clippers, but care needs to be taken not to cut the nails too short.  Cutting the quick, the center of the nails that contain nerves and blood vessels,  is painful and causes a fair amount of bleeding. Have a styptic pencil on hand in case a clip gets too close.

Dog groomers, vets, and other pet professionals can also assist with regular maintenance of your pup's nails. Although some dog's may object to having their paws handled, if nail maintenance is part of your dog's regular grooming routine over time your pup won't mind having their regular mani/pedi.