How to know when it’s time for a trim

Key takeaways:

• Regular nail trims are vital to a dog’s health and wellbeing

• Overgrown nails aren’t just painful; they can also cause injury and infection

• Dog nails that are black and extra furry paws make it harder to tell when it’s time for a trim.

• How often your dog’s nails need trimming also depends on their lifestyle and other factors

What do snagged carpeting and the tap of your dog’s nails on your floors have in common? They’re both indicators that it’s time to trim your pup’s nails. Regular nail trims are a critical part of the routine care for dogs. Here’s why regular trims are important, when and how often to do them, and tips for knowing when black nails on a dog are too long.

Why are regular nail trims so important?

Long dog nails aren’t just noisy. They can also cause a host of issues, some of which are painful. The longer a dog’s nails grow unclipped, the more likely they are to split and expose their quick, which is extremely painful for your pup.

Also, when nails curl over into the pads of the paw, they cut and rip the soft flesh, which can cause an infection. This situation can also pull out the dewclaw, necessitating surgery and large vet bills. Overgrown nails also keep your pup from getting good traction and cause slips and tumbles.

Long-term damage can happen, too. Walking on curled, overgrown nails causes a pup’s foot bones to morph, and pressure is placed on other joints. This affects the way your dog walks, runs, and stands. Arthritis can eventually develop as a result.

Then, there is the damage to your furniture, floors, and bedding caused by long, sharp dog nails.

Fortunately, nail trims are an easy way to keep your pup comfortable and healthy, whether you do it yourself or prefer to let a pro handle this delicate situation.

When and how often should you trim your dog’s nails?

If you hear the tick of pup toenails on your floors or see snags in your carpet, it’s definitely time for a trim. The general rule is to trim your pup’s nails just before they reach the floor, roughly one-eighth of an inch from the ground. How often depends on a few factors such as your dog’s age, living conditions, and activity rate.

Puppies need nail trims more often than adult dogs. Have you ever noticed how incredibly sharp puppy nails can be? That’s partly because they are growing faster than older dogs’. Clipping a tiny bit each week is often necessary to keep puppy nails under control. It also helps get your pup used to having their paws handled and nails clipped. Older dogs can typically go two to three weeks between trims.

Dogs that live in urban areas with lots of concrete and pavement tend to grind their nails down naturally and require fewer trims. Dogs that live in rural areas with less pavement to navigate might need nail trims more often. If you have a lapdog that loves to be in your arms, you’ll have to trim more often. Being aware of your pup’s lifestyle can help you gauge how often trims are needed

How do I know if my dog’s black nails are too long?

Black nails (and extra hairy paws) make knowing when to trim more difficult, but they will give the same signs of overgrowth. Keep a watchful eye out for snagged and ripped furniture, an unbalanced gait, and nail tapping.

One constant worry when it comes to trimming pup nails is hitting the quick. It’s even more worrisome with black nails since they obscure the quick. Cutting into a pup’s nail quick causes bleeding, and it’s painful. Your dog will jerk their paw away and risk another painful tear.

Black dog nails are so pigmented that it’s hard to see where the quick begins. Look for a chalky white ring around the nail to determine where the quick lays and leave a tiny bit of space before trimming. That can help determine how long the rest of the nail is and if it’s getting too long.

Dogs with extra furry paws can make it hard to see the length of their nails. The fur can disguise the length and the sound of their clicking on the ground. They can still be too long even if you don’t hear the telltale clicking. Push the fur back around the pads of the paw when your dog is standing on a firm surface. If his or her nails are touching the ground, you know it’s time for a trim.

What to do when your dog’s nails are already overgrown

If you’ve adopted a new pup who hasn’t had the best care, you might find that they have painfully overgrown nails. As the nails grow out of control, so does the quick. Clipping down extra-long nails all at once can be traumatizing for you and your pup. The key is to gradually cut the nails back weekly until the quick also begins to recede. Once the nails are clipped to a comfortable level, you can start a regular trimming schedule.

Knowing when to trim your pup’s nails means paying attention to how much exercise they get, where they spend their time, and how fast their nails grow.

Routine nail trims at Scenthound

Keeping your pup’s nails trimmed on a consistent basis is key to keeping him or her comfortable and healthy. If you’re one of the many dog parents who finds nail trims challenging (and they are for non-professionals), Scenthound can help. Our SCENT Techs provide nail trimming for dogs as part of our Basic Hygiene package that’s included in all Monthly Care Club memberships. You won’t have to stress and worry about an unruly pup fighting you while you attempt to trim their nails anymore. Find your local Scenthound location and bring your pup in for a visit today.