Are My Dogs Nails Too Long? How Often Should They Be Trimmed?
Pet owners typically have every intention of doing dog nail clipping weekly, but it’s not always a realistic goal and often gets dropped from the to-do list. However, if left unattended too long, one day, you’ll look closely and notice long and curved nails sticking out from their paws! When that happens, it’s time to take action before their overgrown nails become painful.
A good dog grooming schedule needs to include more than bathing and brushing. Clipping their nails is not only necessary to avoid rough scratches, but also to keep your pet healthy. While dogs will naturally wear down their nails through normal day to day activities, the more time they spend indoors, the more often they may need dog nail clipping.
Learning About Your Dog’s Nails
As mentioned, if the nails get too long, it can put pain and pressure on your dog’s toes and paws, which will eventually put strain on their legs too. Additionally, long nails are also prone to splitting and can become infected. When nails become very overgrown, some dogs may even find it difficult to place their full body weight on their feet without discomfort.
So, how do you know the right length for your dog’s nails? You can ask your local dog grooming service for advice, but generally, your dog’s nails are too long if they protrude over the pad. They should not touch the ground when your pet is standing.
With that information in mind, many Indiana pet owners likely wonder how frequently their dog’s nails need to be cut. Ideally, dogs need their nails clipped and filed on a regular basis, usually every 3 to 4 weeks. If you don’t feel comfortable clipping their nails at home, contact your dog grooming salon in Valparaiso and book them an appointment.
However, if you do want to get into the habit of dog nail clipping at home, here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Purchase the right tools. There are several different types of nail clipping and filing tools available. Be sure to read the instructions for your particular tool carefully before beginning.
- All dog’s nails have a quick running through them. The quick is the blood vessels and nerves of the nail. The general recommendation is to cut approximately 2mm away from the quick.
- When you cut the nail, you have to be decisive and make a smooth, quick motion while holding the nail steady.
- The claws on your dog’s rear feet are usually shorter and may require less frequent trimming than those on their front feet.
Smoochie Pooch: Your Local Dog Grooming Service in Indiana
Smoochie Pooch takes great pride in knowing everything there is to know about caring for your pet’s grooming needs. We’ll make sure their nails, hair, ears, and even their teeth get the treatment they need so that they look good and feel good too. With four locations and a mobile grooming service, we can conveniently support pet owners across Indiana and help them ensure their pet gets the top quality grooming they deserve. Make a grooming appointment today or call us at (219) 286 3608 to find out more about our services.
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