The familiar sound of nails tapping on the floor is often a sign a dog’s nails need a cut. According to the American Kennel Club, a dog’s nails should be cut every 2 – 4 weeks. Generally, the nails on the front feet need more trimming than the back feet. This is because dog’s often kick their back legs like a bull to mark territory. However, if the nails overgrow without a trim, complications can arise. Therefore, it is so important to know how often you should trim your dog’s nails.
What complications can arise if nails are not trimmed often enough?
- The quick can overgrow:
The quick is the soft pink center of the nail that contains a blood supply and nerve ending. If nails are cut too deep, bleeding results from a cut into the quick. Therefore, if nails are not cut regularly, this quick can grow and lengthen so much that it can reach the tip of the nail. Above all, If the quick is long, this makes it difficult to cut more of the nail. However, with regular trimming over time, the quick can recede and more of the nail can be cut.
- Swelling, arthritis and tenderness:
If your dog’s nails overgrow, it may cause abnormal pressure on the feet. Therefore, in such cases, dogs often limp or even bite at their feet. As a result, this can cause swelling, inflammation, tenderness, limping and arthritis.
If your dog is limping, check to make sure the nails are not overgrown.
- Injuries from snags:
Like hooked talons, a dog’s overgrown nails can snag onto carpets, bushes and bedding. Some dogs have dew claws. This is the nail that is higher up on the leg and does not touch the floor. Dew claws often dangle loosely and are the most vulnerable to snagging. In worst cases, the snag can completely rip out the nail. This kind of trauma results in bleeding and may lead to infection. This requires veterinarian treatment. Therefore, when a dog’s nails are cut, always remember to cut the dew claws as well.
- Trauma to the paw pad:
Just like hair, nails will continue to grow without cutting. Over time, nails can lengthen , curl and grow into a paw pad. This is very uncomfortable and painful. Overgrown dew claws are commonly seen curling into the pad. In such cases, the dog will require veterinarian services to treat this kind of injury.
Knowing how often to cut your dog’s nails is important. However, if you are looking to trim the nails at home, here is a useful step by step guide on how to cut the nails:
A step by step guide: How to cut my dog’s nails
-By Nikita King, Certified Pet Groomer