Long Dog Nails Can Cause Limping
If a dog’s nails are long, they can get caught on the sidewalk or other surfaces. As the nail bends back and forth, it can create pressure and cause pain in the foot. The equivalent for people would be if your toenails were so long that they got caught in your socks when you were walking. This can really hurt!
Long nails can also cause the dog to shift his weight to one side or another as he walks in an attempt to avoid discomfort. This can lead to a muscle imbalance, which ultimately causes a dog to limp.
It is important, first of all, to determine if your dog’s nails are healthy or unhealthy.
Healthy nails are smooth and have a small dark edge where they connect to the paw. The nail itself is slightly curved and white in color.
Unhealthy nails, on the other hand, are brittle, have ridges, grooves, and/or a dark center, and could be bent or broken. If the nails are unhealthy, it is best to take your dog to the vet for a nail trim. A vet will be able to examine the nail closely to determine if it should be trimmed or not. If the nail is unhealthy and you try to trim it at home, you could make the problem worse.
Are Your Dog’s Nails Too Long?
There is no sugar-coating it. When it comes to dog nails, length matters. Growing dog nails too long can put your dog at risk for injury, infection, and severe orthopedic and postural consequences.
If you have a dog whose nails are too long, keep reading!
In this post you will learn,
What angle do you cut dogs nails?
How to cut your dog’s nails at home
When Dog Nails Get Too Long
Not only does cutting a dog’s nails too short cause them pain, but leaving them to grow too long can be even more painful. For instance, long nails can cause a dog to lose traction in their paw, making it easier for them to slip and fall, causing additional pain than that from the nail alone.