How often your dog needs her nails trimmed will depend entirely on her. But as a general rule, trimming monthly is a good idea. “Most dogs need their nails [trimmed] every month,†Easton says. “Unless they really wear them down good on concrete.
Many dogs and people hate this grooming task, but these owners found a unique way to solve the problem. Most dogs can learn to scratch an emery board through simple observation and imitation.
To view the quick of the nail, gently lift your dog's paw and look at the center of the unclipped nail head-on. If the nail has a small dark circle at the center, it indicates the beginning of the quick of the nail. Do not clip any nail that has a circle in the center as you'll be clipping into the quick.
A grinding tool can give a smoother finish to the nail than the clipper and works well on thick nails. When working with dogs that have black nails, there is less chance of hitting the quick because owners feel that they have more control in the trimming process.
Why Does the Quick Overgrow? When you fail to trim your dog's nails on a regular basis, the quick grows with the nail. In some cases, when the nails are extra long, the quick may lengthen so much that it reaches the tip of the nail.
You should only trim off the tip, but if you accidentally cut your dog's nails too short, they may yip in pain and start bleeding. Although this is usually not life-threatening, you still don't want your pup to be in pain. Plus, blood can get on furniture, clothing, and carpet if you don't stop the bleeding quickly.
Ways to File Those Nails Down Naturally
- Agility practice – those contacts are like sand paper and perfect for filing nails.
- Jogging on hard surface – get your exercise and wear down those nails at the same time.
- Biking on hard surface – If you can't run with your dog, this is a good alternative.
After trimming a small portion of an overgrown nail, generally, within seven days, the quick should have receded enough to allow you to trim off another little bit of nail again, according to The Everything Puppy Book: Choosing, Raising, and Training Our Littlest Best.
Luckily, most groomers and veterinary clinics offer nail trimming services, so the owner doesn't have to do it; however, this comes at an extra expense and some dogs are even more stressed out by getting their nails professionally done instead of by someone they already trust in their home.
Dog nails contain a blood vessel and nerve encased in thick, hard keratin. The part inside the nail with the blood vessel and the nerve is often called the "quick." The nerve and blood vessel of the nail typically ends before the keratin shell, so you may note the rest of the nail is hollow or even filled with dirt.
Trimming White NailsIn younger dogs with white nails, the quick is generally easy to see from the side of the nail. Trim a little at a time, looking both at the side of the nail and at the cut surface. In white nails, the cut surface will turn pink just before reaching the quick. This is where you should stop.
Much like a human nail, if a dog's nail is damaged or hurt, it will cause them pain. One way a nail may cause a dog pain is during the trimming process if they are not maintained regularly. 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.
In dogs (and birds) with liver disease, the nails do grow faster than normal. Also, depending on how much your pet walks or plays on concrete, asphalt, or grass will have a influence on how much the nail will naturally wear down.
Broken or Long NailsLong nails bend and catch on just about everything, causing both immediate and long term pain. It's important to examine your dog's nails and keep them adequately short to prevent pain and limping. Have your dog's nails trimmed regularly, but if one breaks seek veterinary care immediately.
When you hear your dog's nail click-clacking as he walks across the floor or hard surface, it's usually a sure sign that he's ready to have them clipped. The general rule of thumb is to clip where the nail makes a defined curve down towards the floor. Don't cut too far beyond that or you could snip the quick.
Can I cut my dog's whiskers? We would never advise a dog owner to cut off their pet's whiskers, unless advised by a vet. Some dog groomers snip off vibrissae for aesthetic purposes, but this is not a good idea. If your groomer has cut them off though, don't worry too much as they do grow back.
