Do Long Nails Hurt Dogs? – Yes Or No

Do long nails hurt dogs? Many pet owners allow their four-legged friend’s nails to be longer because they may think that the claws are pretty and fashionable.

Yet, it indeed harms your pets.

How will overgrown claws affect your furry friends? Scroll down for more.

Do Long Nails Hurt Dogs?

do long nails hurt dogs

Yes. Extra nails can curl and dig into the paw pads, which causes injuries and severe infections. Long claws also affect gait and generate awkward walks.

If this condition is not handled in time, it leads to joint pain.

Although not all breeds have this problem, some may have tougher paw pads or be more tolerant of discomfort.

I can tell some names, such as Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, Great Danes, Greyhounds, and Saint Bernards.

It would be best to understand your dogs to plan a proper care routine.

How Long Is Too Long For Dog Nails?

The toenail length can vary depending on the breed type, size, and activity level. But, you can base on some evidence to determine if your pet has too-long nails .

The most obvious sign is the curled nails or even injured paws. It is an alert that you haven’t offered them proper care. It’s time to give your pets more attention and love.

Ideal nails should be hidden inside the paws, except for hairless breeds like Chihuahuas. Once they are easily seen in standing gestures, they are redundant.

You can also tell your dogs need trimming if they are limp, sliding, or tip-toe. Dogs usually move with soft paws, creating noise-free.

When your long-nail pets walk, the “click-clack” sounds happen with every move. You’d better do a pedicure for your furry pals even when you don’t find it annoying.

Pets scratch you sometimes to get attention. Yet, if you get injuries frequently, their nails need trimming. Additionally, torn carpets and ground floors are also a hint.

They are the consequences of long nail snagging on carpets, furniture, and other surfaces.

What Is The Perfect Length For A Dog’s Nails?

Although the correct nail length varies, it shouldn’t exceed 1.5 cm or be shorter than 0.3 cm. Instead of measuring the exact number, I have a quicker way to check.

If your dogs are standing without their claws revealed, it’s the perfect length. Otherwise, the redundant nails should be removed.

Don’t trim them too short, or you can hurt your pets, causing pain and bleeding. Healthy paws keep your pets happy and energetic all day long!

What Problems Can Long Claws Cause?

How long is too long for a dog's nails

Besides the pain, ingrown nails are the reason for many different troubles. Untrimmed nails can lead to behavioral changes in dogs.

The discomfort makes them more irritable and anxious.

They may exhibit signs of aggression. Simultaneously, they become less willing to engage in physical activities. Long nails can hinder a dog’s ability to walk properly.

As the nails grow, they can alter the natural alignment of the toes, leading to an uneven weight distribution.

Dogs with long nails may also experience difficulty gripping smooth surfaces, increasing the risk of slips and falls.

Dogs have an instinctive grooming behavior with tongues, teeth, and paws. Consequently, they can injure themselves with long sharp nails.

Not only are they harmful to your pets, but long nails also affect our quality of life. It’s unsafe for babies and other members to play with the dogs.

They may get scratched and infected by unhealthy nails.

Besides, your pets will gouge surfaces and damage tile floors and furniture. Proper nail length brings in a healthy size and avoids these potential problems.

What If You Accidentally Cut The Quick?

The quick is the blood vessel and nerve that runs through the nail’s center. Once you cut it, you must stop the bleeding with styptic powder or cornstarch.

If the quick is in bad condition, your dog may need to see a veterinarian for treatment. After this accident, your pets may be haunted by the trimmer.

They can be aggressive when maintenance comes.

So, it would help if you kept them calm and comfortable afterward to release their anxiety. It’s important to be careful and to use proper tools and techniques.

You can learn from YouTube videos or a vet’s guidance.

What If My Dog Is Afraid Of Nail Trimmers? 

You should introduce nail clippers gradually to your pals. If your furry friends overreact, it’d better stop and comfort them.

Rewarding them a treat will fasten the recovery process. This method works unless you hurt the paws again.

You can use different grooming tools, such as a nail grinder, which is less intimidating for your dogs.

Nail scissors are not recommended because they are hard to control and dangerous with sharp blades. They also scare your dogs and trigger their aggressiveness.

Handling your pal’s fear can make you exhausted without any effectiveness. I recommend you visit a professional groomer to help your pals go through this bad memory.

Don’t neglect this mental issue. Or else, nail maintenance can be a bad experience for you and your dogs.

What Should You Prepare To Trim Your Dog’s Nails?

Is my dog in pain if I cut his nail too short

To trim your dog’s nails, you should prepare a pair of clippers appropriate for their size. There are four trimmer types: Guillotine, Plier, Scissor, and Grinder.

Choosing the right one will ease the maintenance process for you and your dogs.

You may need some clotting powder on hand. It can help hemostasis if you cut the nail quickly.

Besides tools, you should comfort your dogs beforehand. If they fear trimmers, grab some treats to chase the fear away.

Don’t forget to have someone else hold your dog while trimming their nails to solve any sudden issues.

You can do your dog’s nails at home with the right tools and techniques. Another safe and effective option is to take your dogs to a professional groomer or veterinarian for help.

FAQs

How Often Are Nails Trimmed? 

The frequency of nail trimming for dogs can vary depending on their needs. The good time is every 4-6 weeks. Yet, some breeds may need more frequent maintenance.

You can prolong nail maintenance time by offering your pets more exercise, such as walking, digging, or fetching.

When your pets do more activities, the claws wear down naturally.

Can I Take My Dog To The Vet To Get His Nails Trimmed?

Yes, you can take your dog to the vet to get his nails trimmed. Many veterinarians offer nail trimming services as part of their routine care for dogs. 

They have the necessary tools and expertise to safely trim your dog’s nails without causing any harm.

It’s always a good idea to consult your vet to determine the best action for your dog’s nail care.

Conclusion

Do long nails hurt dogs? The answer is “Yes.” Long claws can indeed hurt them and cause painful joints. Regular nail maintenance can solve this problem.

Keeping your dog’s nails at a healthy length can help ensure their well-being. Although you can do it at home, it’s better to take your dog to the vet for nail cutting.

You may hurt your dog quickly, which turns trimming into a haunt for your dog.

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Hi I am Mitchell. Dog Growth is a blog about dog caring and training where I share my experiences to my community. Hope you enjoy it!

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