Imagine you are playing fetch with your beloved dog in a park. But every time your dog takes an excited step, you notice a clicking sound.
If this is the case, you will notice its nails are overgrown and starting to snag on the ground. It is simply time to trim their nails.
But how often to clip your dog's nails? What are some other signs to look for? Why is regular trimming important? These are some common queries that hit every pet owner’s mind.
In this blog, we will answer all these queries along with the consequences of neglected nail trims. Let’s get started!
Clear Signs That Your Dog Nails Need to be Trimmed
Before diving into the trimming schedule, first of all, let’s see the signs that show your dog's nails need attention:
- Your dog's nails touch the ground or floor during normal movement.
- You hear a clicking sound when the dog walks.
- If their nails are snagging on the carpet, furniture, or other surfaces.
- If your dog hesitates to walk or seems to limp.
- If your dog's nails are cracked, chipped, or broken.
If you notice any of the above signs, trim their nails immediately and follow all the do’s and don'ts of clipping dog’s nails for a stress-free experience.
How Often Can I Trim my Dog’s Nails?
Generally, dogs need a nail trim every 4 to 6 weeks. But sometimes, they wear down their nails naturally during regular activities, extending this need for trimming.
There are different other factors that affect this frequency and we will discuss them later in detail below.
However, on average, you should trim your dog’s nails as per the following schedule:
|
Active Dogs |
Every 4-6 weeks |
|
Less Active Dogs |
Every 2-3 weeks |
|
Puppies |
Every 1-2 weeks |
|
Small Breeds |
Every 2-3 weeks |
|
Large Breeds |
Every 4-6 weeks |
|
Senior Dogs |
Every 4-6 weeks or as needed |
How Often Should I Cut My Dog’s Nails: Key Factors Involved
The frequency of nail trimming can vary from dog to dog, influenced by several key factors. Let’s explore some major ones:
Activities of your Dog
For active dogs who spend most of their time in outdoor activities, their nails wear naturally and require less trimming.
But if they primarily indulge in indoor activities, you must trim their nails more frequently.
Dog’s Breed
Dog nail growth patterns vary from breed to breed. For example, large dogs like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds require fewer trims than delicate breeds like Chihuahuas or Dachshunds.
Age of the Dog
The age of the dog also affects the frequency of nail trimming. People are generally curious to know when to cut puppy nails. As their nails grow quickly, you need to cut puppy nails every 1 to 2 weeks. On the other hand, senior dogs also require frequent trimming because of decreased activity and less natural wear.
Surface They Walk on
If the dog spends more time on hard surfaces like gravel or pavements, it requires less trimming because its nails wear down naturally.
Whereas dogs spending more time on soft surfaces like grass or carpet have a faster nail growth and require trimming more often.
Why Trimming Your Dog’s Nails is Important?
Now, let’s find out why regular trimming of your dog’s nails is important.
Prevent Paw Pad Damage
One of the most significant reasons to trim your dog's nails regularly is to prevent them from paw damage. Overgrown nails start digging into their pads, creating sores and cuts.
So, regular trimming prevents all such issues, ensuring their paws remain in good condition.
Prevent Posture and Gait Problems
Long nails affect your dog's gait and posture. They cause your dog to walk with altered stances to avoid pressure on their paws, which can result in muscle pain and joint issues.
But regular trimming can save them from such issues, maintaining their natural and comfortable walking posture.
Avoid Loss of Traction
With long nails, your dog can not gain proper traction while walking or running, which can lead to slipping accidents on tiles or hardwood floors.
Properly trimming your dog’s nails can avoid loss of traction and the risk of such accidents.
Better Hygiene
If the nails of your dogs are overgrown, dirt and germs can accumulate beneath them, compromising their hygiene.
These germs can transfer to other skin areas as well, badly affecting their health.
With proper trimming, you can maintain their proper hygiene and prevent infections.
Improves Comfort
Proper nail trimming improves the comfort level of your dog, ensuring they enjoy daily activities and enhancing the quality of their lives.
Can You Clip Dog Nails with Regular Clippers?
Well, technically you can clip your dog nails with a regular clipper in a pinch but it is always best to invest in a pair of dog nail clippers.
They are specially designed to handle the thickness and hardness of dog nails, making trimming much safer and easier.
Most common of them are nail clippers, guillotine, scissor, and plier-style clippers.
Conclusion
To sum up, how often to clip your dog's nails depends on different factors like their breed, activity level and lifestyle. Generally, trimming nails after every 3 to 4 weeks can save your dogs from painful conditions and keep them healthy on their paws.
So, if you notice any sound of nail clicking, scratching or any other sign of discomfort, it's the time to grab the dog clippers and keep their paws in perfect shape.
Moreover, if you are uncomfortable doing it yourself, you can contact a professional groomer as well to make things easy for you.
FAQS
How deep do dog's nails need to be cut?
You should cut your dog nails 2-3mm away from the quick to avoid any pain. If your dog has dark nails and you are not able to see the quick, trim just the very tip off the nail.
What is the best angle to cut a dog's nails?
Always cut the nail from underneath at a 45-degree angle and ensure to keep the cutting blade closest to you.
How to stop a dog from moving while cutting nails?
You must keep your dogs calm with your soothing voice while cutting their nails. Give a soft squeeze to each toe and apply gentle pressure on the nails to keep them relaxed. If the dog still moves, stop for a while and resume trimming once it is settled.