Trimming Your Dogs’ Toenails for Health and Comfort
Frequency needed depends on exercise and growth rates, but trim to prevent your dogs nails touching the ground. For young pups and old dogs, this can be every two weeks, for others about monthly works well.
It is important to trim them regularly, because if they overgrow, the vein also overgrows, and it will take several trims close together to correct from overgrown nails.
Overgrown nails are painful for dogs. It is like a ballerina walking on points, without relief. When nails are too long, they put pressure on the toe joints, so the dog rocks back and tries to walk on its heels to relieve the discomfort. This limits your dog's ability to move comfortably. Red lines show where nails should be cut (below red pith).
Long nails are prone to breaking, splitting, or becoming ingrown. These conditions are painful and can lead to infections. Regular nail trims help avoid these problems and keep the dog's paws healthy.
Overgrown nails can alter a dog's natural gait, causing them to walk awkwardly or shift their weight incorrectly. This leads to strain on the joints, muscles, and tendons, potentially causing long-term damage or injuries to their joints and back. This is particularly noticeable with older dogs.
Foot structure and alignment is affected by long nails. Overgrown nails push the toes apart, causing splaying which can lead to foot deformities. Regular nail trims help maintain proper foot structure and function.
Long nails can scratch and damage floors, carpets, furniture, and may scratch people. Trimming your dog's nails to an appropriate length can minimize the risk of accidental damage.
There is no such thing as “Naturally Long Quick”. Quick extends if the nails are left to grow too long, or if too little is trimmed each time. The nails need help to then retract. See the video linked to the following page.
Overall, regular nail trims are essential for a dog's overall well-being, comfort, and mobility. It is important to approach nail trimming with care and use appropriate tools and techniques to ensure a positive experience for both the dog and the person trimming the nails.
Where to Trim
Trim just below the pith (pink section), see red lines- to keep it comfortable for the dog.
Healthy length - ready to do again.
These toe nails are a healthy length, and ready for a few millimetres to be trimmed off each one. If you keep your dogs nails like this, you wont have to correct overgrown nails, which requires several trims at close intervals, to encourage the vein to recede to its correct position.
Great early training makes Toe Nails a Breeze
When pups learn to lay quietly while having their toe nails, mouths, ears - in fact all the ticklish areas, played with and handled, and to lay quietly, you end up with a wonderful dog like Julie’s MURPHY. Laying quietly, making it easy to trim toenails.
How to Trim Your Dogs Toe-Nails
This is a brief description of how to trim your dog’s nails. There are more thorough videos on you tube, and there is a link below.
Tools: Dog nail clippers or nail grinder, and a rewarding treat
Spend time handling your dog's paws before attempting to trim their nails. Gently hold their foot, and release it when they relax. This will help them get accustomed to the feeling and reduce anxiety.
Hold your dog's paw firmly but gently, making sure not to squeeze too tight, or if you have a competent person to hold the dog, this can help.
Choose your trimming method: If using clippers, position them perpendicular to the nail and make a quick, decisive cut. If using a grinder, gently touch the grinder to the nail to remove the excess length gradually.
Trim small increments of the nail at a time, ensuring you avoid the quick, which is the sensitive, pink part inside the nail. Avoid cutting into the quick as it can be painful and cause bleeding. If your dog has clear or light-colored nails, you may be able to see the quick. For dogs with dark nails, trim small amounts to be safe.
Take breaks if needed: If your dog becomes stressed, take breaks between each nail and provide positive reinforcement for moments of calmness during trims.
Monitor for bleeding: In case you accidentally cut into the quick and the nail starts bleeding, apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.
Trim all the nails on each paw, including the dewclaws if your dog has them.
If you're unsure or uncomfortable about trimming your dog's nails, seek guidance from a professional groomer or veterinarian. They can demonstrate how to do it. There are also some excellent videos and instruction online.