Long Dog Nails

All dogs need their nails trimmed.  How many times a month do you get a pedicure, or trim your own finger and toe nails?

We have seen it all in rescue and unfortunately it is the dog paying the painful price. If you are not comfortable trimming nails then make an appointment with your vet or a groomer.

Long dog nails will cause various problems, including painful nail bed pressure, altered gait and balance issues, increased risk of painful nail fractures or splits leading to infection, discomfort from nails catching on paw pads, and long-term musculoskeletal damage like deformed paws or joint pain.

You can tell nails are too long if they click on the floor when your dog walks, or if they're visibly curling or splaying the toes. Regular trimming is necessary to prevent these issues and keep your dog comfortable and healthy.

A dog's nail digging into its paw pad can be painful and lead to infection. This is very common with dew claws, that curl and embed themselves into the pad as they are missed when nails are getting trimmed.

Regular nail trims are crucial to prevent painful issues. If it occurs, prompt veterinary care is recommended to address the ingrown nail, clean any wounds, and treat potential infections.