Like us humans, dogs’ nails continually grow throughout their life. When you walk your dog on hard surfaces, this should wear their nails down naturally, but sometimes they aren’t worn down as quickly as they grow. It is important to monitor the length of your dog’s nails, so they don’t overgrow and cause problems. It is equally as important to use a suitable set of nail clippers if you plan on trimming their nails at home.
Why should I trim my dog’s nails?
Keeping your dog’s nails at a suitable length is key when taking care of their health and well-being. If their nails get too long, they can get caught on furniture or clothes, split or break or grow into their pads which can result in pain, bleeding and possible infection.
Dew Claws
Just above their paw, you’ll notice your dog has dew claws. The majority of dogs have it on their front legs, but some also have dew claws on their back legs too. When you walk your dog on hard surfaces, such as pavements, this should wear their nails down, keeping them at a suitable length. The dew claw does not touch the ground, so it is even more imperative to keep an eye on the length.
When should I trim my dog’s nails?
As a general rule of thumb, if you put your dog’s paw on your palm and their nails touch your skin, they may be too long. Hearing them click on surfaces when they walk can also be a good indicator that they are in need of a trim.
Within each nail is a blood vessel, commonly known as the ‘quick’, and if this is cut into, it can result in bleeding. The length of the quick can vary, so even if nails look long, they may not need actually need a trim. If you are unsure, it is best to consult your vet or veterinary nurse, who can trim nails and teach and/or guide you so you can do it at home thereafter.
What do I do if the nail starts bleeding?
It can be upsetting and frightful if your dog’s nails start to bleed when you are trimming them, but it is unlikely to cause long-term problems for healthy dogs. It may be sore for your dog, but apply pressure with something clean and apply a bandage if you have a dog first aid kit. Imperatively, contact your veterinary practice for advice first and foremost.
What nail clippers should I use?
A good quality set of nail clippers will make trimming your dog’s nails much easier for you, and more comfortable for them. There are plenty on the market, so make sure you choose the right ones which are best suited to your dog.
Features to consider
When choosing a set of nail clippers, there are a few features we recommend you consider.
- Sturdy so they are durable and will last
- They have sharp blades so it is easy to cut the nail
- They have a non-slip grip so they are easy and comfortable to hold
- A tension spring to make the clippers pull apart after each clip, to make the process faster (which is especially useful for dogs who don’t much like having a manicure!)
- A double-bladed cutter so they are suitable for both left and right-handed users
- Lock shut when not in use
- A safety stop to help prevent cutting your dog’s nails too short (but you should also rely on visual checks too)
- The size is suitable for your dog – the bigger the dog, the more heavy-duty clippers need to be
There are plenty of things to consider before purchasing dog nail clippers and even before deciding whether to trim your dog’s nails at home, as opposed to at the groomer or with a veterinary nurse at your veterinary practice. We hope having read through this article you feel better equipped!