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.
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.
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.
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.
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. You can cut your dog's nails at home.
Dog nail care is important because it keeps your pet walking, running, and moving around comfortably. When your dog's nails are too long, they create an unnatural angle for the foot. This causes unequal pressure on the toes and can cause the nail beds to become sore and tender.
Nails that are too long can cause a dog to slip and fall more easily. Long nails cause a dog to place their feet differently, in a “plantigrade” position. In other words the nails “push” the dogs toes up and the “heel” comes down to balance, placing strain on the muscles and ligaments in the legs.
It's best to not cut within 2 millimeters of the quick. As you cut the nail deeper, a gray to pink oval starts to appear at the top of the cut surface of the nail. Stop cutting the nail at this point as additional cutting will cut into the quick and cause bleeding. Styptic powder stops bleeding when applied.
The good news is that when you clip your dog's nail too short, you can stop the bleeding in three easy steps. The bad news is that hitting the quick is painful for your dog, nerve-wracking for you, and a bloody mess. It's an event you and your dog are likely to remember when it comes time for the next nail trim.
1) Walk your dog regularly on rough surfaces
Wild dogs usually move about on hard surfaces while walking and running. These activities and the surrounding environment naturally trim dog nails to prevent overgrowth, thus allowing you to get the perfect nails care for dogs.
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.
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, …
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.
According to BeChewy, medium and long coat dogs should bathe every four to six weeks, and owners of dogs with short coats should bathe their pets somewhere between every month and every three months. Dog owners should be warned not to wash their pup's coats too much, though.
You may prefer your dog's groomer or vet team to clip your dog's nails but, if you'd like nail trimming to be performed regularly before nails have become long or, if your dog gets worried about being taken for a nail trim, we'll show you how to do it yourself.
Alternatively, soak your dog's favorite treats in the chamomile tea and let him eat it. Mix it with a skullcap, catnip, and hot water for a more relaxing chamomile tea. Pour some honey and give it to the dog when it's warm. Dogs get anxious, and you can use this herb to calm their nerves before trimming their nails.
Try to calm your dog by talking to them using a calm and soothing voice, and giving them praise and rewards. But, if your dog seems way too anxious or nervous about having their nails trimmed, you should talk with your vet about using a calming medicine.
Try a different tool
Something about those darn clippers can really stress kids out. Next time, try nail scissors instead, or even just a nail file. That could be all it takes!
How to Tell If Your Dog's Nails Are Too Long. The rule of thumb is that if they are clicking on the floor, causing discomfort, or interrupting mobility, they are overgrown. Several problems can occur when the quick and nail overgrow: The nails become frail and fracture easily.
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.
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.
In the wild, wolves and coyotes keep their nails short through digging and running after prey for hours. Since your dog is likely not running around in the wilderness all day, you may need to walk them on concrete to help keep their nails at a reasonable length.