Nail Trimming!
How important?
What are my options?
Can I learn how?
How important is it, really?
Actually, it is rather important and often overlooked. Consider this. Most dogs are walking on smooth or soft surfaces most of their life. Wood, tile, carpet, dirt and grass do not wear down nails very well. As the keratin of the nail grows longer, it touches the ground when they walk. When long nails hit the ground constantly, they exert force back into the nail bed, creating pain for the dog. This causes pressure on the toe joint. If this happens to long periods of time, it can realign the joints of the front feet and flatten the toes or cause them to become splayed. The image above demonstrates how the joint is affected by long nails.
This now becomes an issue of functionality. Altering how weight is distributed and compromising joints increases risk of injuries. It can also be more painful to run and walk, especially in geriatric patients. If severely neglected, the toe nails can actually curve and wrap all the way under the pad and puncture it. I have trimmed several nails that were so long they were embedded in the pad and some being infected.
This now becomes an issue of functionality. Altering how weight is distributed and compromising joints increases risk of injuries. It can also be more painful to run and walk, especially in geriatric patients. If severely neglected, the toe nails can actually curve and wrap all the way under the pad and puncture it. I have trimmed several nails that were so long they were embedded in the pad and some being infected.
What are my options to keep them trimmed?
There are several options for keeping your dog's nail trimmed routinely. Nails can be trimmed using nail clippers (such as the "plier" example in the picture) that cut the keratin. They can also be dremmeled (the "grinder" example) to wear down the keratin and smooth the rough edges. Both options are great. Some dogs are nervous with one way and so the other option may work best. I personally prefer using a dremmel on my dogs but if nails are really long, trimmers work faster. Frequency depends on your dog. I try to trim my dog's nails once a week. Sometimes I miss a week and go two weeks. I wouldn't recommend waiting much longer than a month between nail trims if possible.
If you would prefer someone else trim your dog's nails, most grooming salons offer nail trims. Animal Hospitals or Vet Clinics also offer nail trims preformed by their trained vet techs. Make sure to call ahead to see if you need an appointment or can stop by any time.
You also have the option to trim your dog's nails yourself! Many people are uncomfortable doing so but it really helps to learn what to look for and practice. See below for educational information on trimming them yourself!
If you would prefer someone else trim your dog's nails, most grooming salons offer nail trims. Animal Hospitals or Vet Clinics also offer nail trims preformed by their trained vet techs. Make sure to call ahead to see if you need an appointment or can stop by any time.
You also have the option to trim your dog's nails yourself! Many people are uncomfortable doing so but it really helps to learn what to look for and practice. See below for educational information on trimming them yourself!
How can I trim them myself?
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