Reasons To Stay on Top of Your Dog’s Nails

Our dogs rely on us for many things — food, water, shelter, and love. As their guardians, we are responsible for ensuring they’re as healthy and happy as possible. That means taking care of their nails.

Not tending to your dog’s nails may lead to various health problems down the road. Here are a few reasons why you should stay on top of your dog’s nails:

Discomfort

Do long nails on dogs hurt them? The answer is yes. When a dog’s nails get too long, it puts pressure on the nerve endings in their toes.

Long nails can be uncomfortable for your dog. They can get caught on things and break, which is painful. They can also change how your dog walks, putting unnecessary stress on its joints.

Stress on the joints can lead to arthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness. It’s much more common in older dogs but can affect young dogs, too.

If your dog’s nails break often or they seem to be in pain when walking, it’s time to make a vet appointment.

Infections

When nails get too long, they can curve and grow into your dog’s skin. This can cause infections and sores. Bacteria can enter through the break in the skin and cause an infection.

Common infection symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain
• Pus or discharge

If you notice your dog is licking or biting at their feet more than usual, or if they’re limping, it could be a sign that their nails are too long.

Difficulty Walking

As we mentioned, long nails can change the way your dog walks. They might start walking on their toes to avoid pressing down on their nails. This can cause pain and make it difficult for them to walk or run. Your dog’s mobility is important for its overall health, so it’s crucial to keep its nails trimmed.

If you notice your dog having trouble walking, it’s time for a trip to the groomer.

Should I Clip My Dog’s Nails

You can take your dog to the groomer to have their nails clipped, or you can do it at home. It’s important to get your dog used to nail care so it’s not a stressful experience for them.

Start by gently touching their feet and nails, so they get used to the sensation. Once they’re comfortable with that, you can trim their nails a little at a time.

If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, take them to a professional groomer or vet. They have the experience and the tools to do it quickly and safely.

As you can see, there are many reasons to keep your dog’s nails trimmed. It’s important for their comfort and overall health. If you’re unsure how to do it yourself, take them to a professional groomer or vet.

Categorised in: Dog Supplies, Dog's Nails

This post was written by admin