How Often Should Your Dog’s Nails be Trimmed?
Hopefully the breeder of your puppy started the nail trimming process at birth to help the puppy learn to accept this important grooming process. Even if they did, it is important to practice foot handling and nail trimming early on in your dog’s life starting at its first week home. This way, your dog will become accustomed to having their feet handled and then eventually grow up to being comfortable with their feet and nails being handled. If you are looking to shorten your dog’s nails, trim them once per week. If you’re looking to maintain them at a short length, aim for every two weeks.
A few dogs can go 3-4 weeks, but all dogs need at least a monthly trim. If you have never cut your dog’s nails before, it is advised that you get a professional dog grooming company to do it for you.
Why Dogs Need Their Nails Trimmed
Many suburban and urban dogs today spend an increased amount of time indoors and on soft surfaces such as grass when they are outdoors. When they are on hard surfaces they are normally walking slowly. All of these issues prevent the nails from being filed down from friction on hard surfaces. Long and uncared-for nails not only look unattractive, they also can be harmful to your dog’s health and comfort. When your dog’s nails are so long that they constantly touch the ground, they exert force back into the nail bed, which creates pain and pressure on the toe joint. If not taken care of, this can cause the joints in the foreleg to become realigned and make the foot look flattened and splayed. In turn it can and will affect the other joints and muscles in the body, causing discomfort, pain and possibly even arthritis as the dog ages. Long nails can also be easily torn when dogs are running and playing, especially outside where hazardous terrain and obstacles cannot be avoided.
In extreme cases, overgrown nails can curve and grow into the pad of the foot. However, even if they do not appear to be that out of control, long and unkempt nails can be torn or split, which is very painful for the dog. You’ll know that it is time for a trim when you can hear your dog’s nails click when they walk across a hardwood or tile floor.
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Nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming, and trim nails are one clear sign of your dog’s good health and hygiene. Professional groomers will perform the task for squeamish owners, but dog nail trimming is a simple procedure if done correctly.
Since nail trimming can be an anxiety-laden experience for many dogs, start handling your puppy’s feet and trimming their nails when they’re young, so they become accustomed to the process. Some dogs will sit in your lap or on a table while you clip their nails, while others may need some form of restraint.
Luckily, you can make the process more fun for your dog by letting them lick peanut butter off a silicone wall mat while you handle the nails.
In as little as one week, you can have one of those rare dogs who doesn’t mind nail trimming one bit. But, if it takes your pup a little longer to get used to it, don’t despair. Be patient, keep a gentle and positive attitude, and continue to offer praise and treats. Make sure to use safe, dog-friendly clippers or grinders.
It helps if you frequently touch and hold your puppy’s paws (gently and cheerfully) right from the first day, so they won’t become sensitive to having their feet handled.
There are several types of dog nail trimmers, including scissors, grinder tools specifically designed for dogs, and guillotine types. You can use whatever type you are most comfortable with, or whatever works best for your dog. It’s a good idea to have some styptic powder or other clotting powder on hand to stop bleeding in case you cut a nail too short.
“If you’ve never clipped a dog’s nails before, you may want to have your veterinarian or vet tech give you a lesson on how to do it,” suggests Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC’s chief veterinary officer.
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How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails at Home STEP BY STEP WITH TIPS
Your dog’s nails should be trimmed when they touch the ground, when they are “clicking on the floor,” or getting snagged. Some dogs who walk on rough sidewalks may never need a trim, except for their dewclaws, if they have them. Trimming your dog’s nails necessitates the right equipment.