How often should I trim my dog's nails? Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed approximately once monthly.
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. For cats, a routine claw trimming every 10-14 days will keep your pet healthy.
Overgrown nails are painful and can affect your pup's mobility. Clipping your dog's nails prevents infections, tell-tale signs of which are a bad smell and pus. Causes of nail infections include split nails or a nail torn off, exposing the quick. Regular weekly trims will cause the quick to recede and fix the issue.
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.
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, cushion covers or your clothing.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Once your dog stays calm while you hold her paw, make the clipper noise, and touch the clippers to her foot, you are ready to tackle the actual nail trim. Hold her paw and gently grasp a single toe. Trim the very tip of the nail. Do not trim too much off at first so you avoid exposing the quick.
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.
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.
A dog's aversion to having their paws handled is instinctive – in the wild, a wounded paw could be the difference between life and death. Naturally, dogs feel the need to protect their paws and even the sweetest, most well-trained dogs can react negatively to a nail trim.
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.
A mix of cornstarch and baking soda often works well (or, simply, cornstarch alone), while rubbing a clean bar of scent-free soap or a wet tea bag on the nail at the spot of lesser bleeding can also be effective. No home remedy, however, will be as instantly effective as a styptic powder.