How to Maintain my Dogs’ Nails

Because of this your dog may move in an unnatural manner which can in turn lead to wider joint pains or injuries. In extreme cases when left unmanaged the nails can grow so long that they curl over and dig into the pad of their paws.

How Often Should I Cut my Dogs’ Nails?

This is an often asked question and one that is dependant on a number of factors. That said regular nail maintenance at your local professional dog groomers will help ensure his nails are kept at the optimum length.

• The type of surface your dog predominantly walks on. The more frequently they walk on hard or abrasive surfaces the greater the natural wear their nails will get, and vice versa of course.
• The type and level of activity. Digging and activities such as agility and flyball will again naturally wear their nails.
• What your dog eats. A healthy balanced diet will encourage nail growth as well as helping ensure the nails are strong.

Did you know that regular nail maintenance can stop the quicks becoming too long which can in turn prevent the nails being cut to their ideal length?

How do I Know When my Dogs’ Nails Are Too Long?

Again there are a number of things to consider but a good rule of thumb is that the end of the nails should not touch the floor when the dog is in a relaxed stance.

This photo shows the nails on the right have been trimmed to the correct length whilst the nails on the left are too long.

How do I Maintain my Dogs’ Nails?

We would of course recommend regular visits to your local dog groomers who have the experience and  equipment to clip your best friends’ nails safely and to the correct length. That said lots of dog owners do this themselves.  You can use dog nail clippers as seen in the above photo or a grinding tool which can been seen in the video at the end of the blog. What you choose should be based on your knowledge and experience as well as what your dog is most comfortable with.  Some dogs do not like the noise or sensation of clippers whilst others do not like the griding tool.

What Should I do if I cut my Dogs’ Nails Too Short?

If you cut down to the quick then you have gone too far. This is easy to do if you don’t have much experience especially when cutting dark nails as the quick is difficult to see.  Cutting the quick is likely to be painful for the dog and may well put them off having their nails clipped in the future. It will also cause some bleeding which can be upsetting but is quite easily managed. We use Trimmex which is a medicated power and helps to stop the bleeding however at home, dipping the effected nail in cornflour is a good substitute.

If you cut the quick and are unable to stop the bleeding then you should seek veterinary advice.

Our dog grooming package is fully inclusive so nails are done as a matter of course. We also offer a stand alone nail clipping service and cater for nervous or reactive dogs.

Here’s what one of our customers had to say…

“I had tried everything in an attempt to cut my French Bulldogs nails. She absolutely loves to be washed and groomed but try to cut her nails and she would turn very aggressive and try to bite. It got so bad I thought there was no alternative other than to have her muzzled or even sedated by a vet before having them cut. I was thrilled that Clara was even going to attempt to cut Maisieís nails, Clara was full of confidence, no muzzle, no sedative and 5 minutes after I took her in Maisie came out looking relaxed and happy with lovely short nails. Iím not sure how Clara did it but we will be going back very regularly. Highly recommend” – Elieen J