The importance of trimming your dog's nails, and the risks of excessively long nails.

How painful can excessively long dog nails cause? Let's explore the importance of regular nail trimming for your dog to keep them healthy and beautiful, and you happy.

1. Why should you trim your dog's nails regularly?

Regular nail trimming for dogs is very important because it affects their health, prevents ingrown nails, and improves their mobility.

• • • Avoid pain and discomfort: Overgrown nails can cause pain when dogs walk on hard surfaces, easily get caught on carpets and objects, or break, tear, and cause bleeding and infection.

    • Maintain proper posture and gait: When nails are too long, dogs have to change their gait to avoid pain, putting pressure on the joints in their legs and spine. Over time, this can lead to more serious joint problems or arthritis.

    • Preventing ingrown toenails reduces the risk of infection: Ingrown toenails, if not trimmed regularly, will curl back and pierce the flesh of the foot, causing painful wounds and infections.

    • Improved grip and protection of household items: Short claws give dogs better grip on slippery surfaces like hardwood or tile floors, which is especially important for older dogs and those with arthritis.

Reduce the risk of infection: If a nail breaks, the pulp inside can be exposed, creating an entry point for bacteria and causing infection.

2. Signs that it's time for your dog to have its nails trimmed.

• • • Sound: If you hear the sound of your pet's claws when they walk on hard surfaces, it's a sign their claws are too long.

    • Inward-curving nails: In small breeds like Poodles, Corgis, Chihuahuas, Beagles, or less active dogs, nails can curve inward, even touching the paw pads.

    • Constant licking or gnawing on paws: If you see your dog frequently licking, gnawing, or chewing on its paws, this is a reflex indicating discomfort or pain in the hoof area.

    • Lack of exercise: Long nails can cause pressure, pain, and discomfort, leading dogs to change their gait or become more reluctant to exercise, go for walks, or run and jump than usual to avoid the pain of movement.

3. Structure and nail trimming schedule for dogs

3.1. Foundation structure

A dog's claws include:

• • • The outer layer is a hard keratin layer; this is the elongated part that you can cut.

    • The quick (the inner part of the nail), which contains blood vessels and nerves, will bleed and hurt if cut.

For cats with light-colored claws, you'll clearly see the pink line of the nail bed, while for cats with dark claws, you should trim carefully, cutting little by little to avoid injuring them.

3.1. Nail trimming schedule

Puppy nails grow quickly, reaching the height of adult dog nails. They may need trimming several times a week; regular trimming from a young age will help your dog develop good habits, making it easier for you to touch their paws.

The more you expose your pet to grooming from a young age, the easier it will be to care for their nails when they grow up.

Each dog's nails grow differently, depending on breed, age, activity level, and living environment, so you can decide how often to trim your dog's nails.

To know exactly when to trim your pet's nails, you can rely on their lifestyle.

• • Active dogs: Dogs that regularly walk, run, and jump on sidewalks or paved roads will have naturally worn nails. They may not need nail trimming as often as less active dogs, typically 4 to 6 times a week.

  • Inactive dogs: Older dogs, or dogs that live indoors or only walk on grass or carpet, will need more frequent nail trimming, perhaps every few weeks.

4. What should I prepare before trimming my dog's nails?

Nail trimming can be a bit challenging for beginners, requiring careful preparation to ensure a more comfortable experience for both you and your pet.

Common types of dog nail clippers available today:

• • • Scissor-style nail clippers: Designed like regular scissors, with curved blades that hug the nail closely during cutting. This type of clipper is easy to use, suitable for beginners, and ideal for small and medium-sized dog breeds.

    • Tripod-style nail clippers: These have a round hole for inserting the nail, and a sharp blade slides through to cut the nail when the handle is squeezed. These clippers are often used by professionals because they cut quickly and cleanly, reducing stress for the dog. Not suitable for dogs with excessively large or hard nails.

    • Nail grinder: This tool uses a rotating grinding stone to gradually wear down a dog's nails, leaving them smooth and not sharp. It's suitable for beginners, but the machine can be noisy, which may scare some dog breeds.

Besides using nail clippers, you should create a quiet, well-lit space and a relaxed atmosphere, gently petting your pet to make them feel secure and safe.

5. Guide to trimming your dog's nails at home like a professional at Pet's Warehouse Spa

5.1. Gentle training to encourage cooperation during nail trimming.

• • • Start guiding and familiarizing your pet with nail trimming from a young age to establish a regular nail-cutting routine.

    • Touch and gently stroke the feet each day to reduce negative reactions.

    • Try trimming each nail individually and treat it to a snack.

5.2. Guide to trimming your pet's nails at home like a spa

Depending on the size of the dog, the nail trimming method will vary slightly; these are general guidelines suggested by Pet's Warehouse.

• • • Step 1: Place the dog on a flat surface with a non-slip towel and identify the area to be trimmed: for light-colored nails, the blood vessels are clearly visible (the pink part inside). For dark-colored nails, trim in small sections, observing the cut surface.

    • Step 2: Maintain the correct posture.

For small dogs: place them on a table or your lap, gently holding their front paws.

For large dogs: have someone hold them or let them lie on their side.

• • • Step 3: Use nail clippers to cut thin slices diagonally downwards, avoiding cutting horizontally or too deeply. If possible, after cutting, smooth and condition your pet's nails.

    • Step 4: Reward your pet. Don't forget to praise, pet, talk gently to your pet, or give them their favorite snack after they're finished. This will create a habit that helps your pet remember "nail trimming = reward," making nail trimming easier in the future.

5.3. How to handle accidentally cutting into the quick of the nail.

It sounds scary, but the first thing you need to do is stay calm if you accidentally cut too deep, startling your pet, causing pain, bleeding, and creating negative experiences with nail trimming.

Continuously comfort your dog, make it feel safe, and apply styptic powder to the wound immediately. If the bleeding continues after 10 minutes, take your dog to the veterinarian right away.

6. Common mistakes when trimming your pet's nails

• • • Trim your dog's nails when they are scared, agitated, or stressed. If your dog is afraid of nail trimming, always be gentle and patient when teaching them, combining it with treats to create a nail trimming routine. Try to stay calm; if you are stressed, your dog will sense it.

    • Grooming in an unsuitable environment, such as one with insufficient light or excessive noise, can easily upset or startle your pet.

    • Using old or unsuitable nail clippers is also a common mistake; dull clippers can crush the nails, causing pain and injury to your dog. You should choose the right clippers for your dog's size and always keep them sharp, remembering to clean them before and after each use.

7. Recommendations for the best dog nail clippers currently available.

8. When should I take my dog ​​to a pet spa for a nail trim?

If you consistently trim your dog's nails at the frequency you set for your pet, most dogs will get used to it.

But not every pet owner has enough time to do that, and not every dog ​​will obediently lie still while its owner trims its nails.

When you need assistance, contact a veterinarian or a pet grooming service, where veterinary technicians will handle the job safely and properly.

Taking care of your pet, or more specifically trimming your dog's nails, isn't difficult at all; you just need to understand and do it correctly.

Don't forget that Pet's Warehouse is here to support you with a full range of nail clippers, nail care products, and expert advice from experienced pet care professionals.