Did you ever find your dog hobbling or refusing to go for a walk? It can be because of nail pain. A 2024 TGM survey states that 67% of UAE pet owners routinely see a veterinarian. However, only 23% make use of grooming services like nail care. That is a significant difference. And it is not good for your dog.
Regular dog nail trimming mitigates the risk of pain and makes sure that your pet remains cheerful. Trimming, as mentioned earlier, helps in easing movement, maintaining cleanliness, and preventing several health issues. Best of all? It is quick and easy.
In this post, you will learn:
- Why nail trimming is so important
- What happens if you skip it
- How long can nails hurt your dog
- Signs that tell you it’s time for a trim
What Happens When You Skip Nail Care?
Let’s start with the challenges of dog nails growing too long. Spoiler alert: It is not a pleasant picture.
Overgrown Nails Can Hurt
Nails that are too long create excessive force on the paw joints of your pet dog. It is a bit like trying to stroll while having pebbles stuck in your shoes. Quite tortuous. Dogs also experience similarly. It gradually turns walking to be a painful experience. In the long run, dogs may stop running altogether or start to limp.
Nails Can Break or Split
A long nail can split or fracture due to an unexpected snag on a patch of grass, rug, or piece of furniture. Sometimes, it can even bleed. The “quick”, which is the inner portion that is full of nerves, causes your dog to cry out in excruciating pain when it breaks.
Infections Can Happen Easily
Germs and dirt can easily infect split or broken nails. They are great at trapping filth and germs. Swelling, redness, and pus are signs of infection. Your dog will most likely lick the infected paw over and over. This type of infection needs vet help and sometimes surgical help.
Paw Pads Get Sore and Skin Roughens
When nails are long, your dog can’t walk flat-footed. The paws hit the ground weirdly. This causes sore spots and rough skin. Furthermore, the pads may crack or develop painful calluses. As a result, your pup may start to avoid going out for walks.
Your Home May Get Scratched
Even gentle dogs can scratch floors, furniture, or doors with long nails. One jump on the couch or sprinting across wooden floors can leave deep marks. Regular nail trimming saves your dog and your sofa.
How Long Nails Hurt Your Dog’s Movement?
You may not notice at first, but long nails change how your dog moves. Below are some key reasons why long nails hurt your pet’s movement:
Awkward Walking and Standing
Usually dog walking gets changed when they are having long nails and they start to take tiny steps and lean sideways. Thus, it makes them uncomfortable as their balance goes off. You can see the difference when they walk on tile or marble.
Toes Spread Out and Paws Flatten
Over time, the edges of the toes become more distant and flattened. This paw-shaped posture is not typical of any dog and a proper arch is needed to effectively support the weight of the body. Otherwise this damage can become permanent.
Joints Get Stressed
If the paws can’t move normally, the joints struggle. The ankles, knees, and hips, and every part have to bear additional strain. This strain brings forth early joint problems. Even younger dogs can start to move like senior dogs.
Pain, Inflammation, and Arthritis
Increased strain results in stress, joint swelling, and bone pain. With time, your dog can develop arthritis. Movement turns increasingly stiff and slow. All this pain is avoidable with regular dog nail trimming.
Less Movement, Lower Quality of Life
Pain makes your dog avoid play. They stop chasing balls or wagging their tails as much. They gain weight and lose muscle. They stay quiet and tired. You will notice the change in their mood too.
Why Regular Nail Care Keeps Your Dog Happy?
Now that we know the consequences, let’s explore the benefits of keeping their nails trimmed. The dog grooming benefits extend far beyond just appearance.
Pain-Free Movement
Proper nail maintenance increases the overall experience for your dog during walks and runs. They can walk, run, and jump without any pain. Each step is pain-free and effortless, and they feel energetic and light.
Fewer Injuries and Infections
Short nails don’t snap or catch. They don’t split or bleed. This means no painful accidents should occur. Due to this it also preserves clean nails, leading to a lower chance of infection. Having short nails means no injuries, and keeping your dog healthy.
Cleaner, Healthier Paws
Excess fur can be removed by trimming, and dirt can be kept away. The paws remain soft and free from sores. No cracked pads or itchy toes anymore. Clean paws also mean a dirt-free home.
Better Balance and Mobility
Short nails help in improving your dog’s grip. Paws with short nails prevent slipping on floors and stairs. Your dog feels stable and will not try to slip or slide. Good balance also reduces the chances of falling.
Strong, Healthy Paw Structure
Regular dog nail trimming will help in maintaining the shape of the toes. Thus, it will retain the strength of the paw and give support to the legs and back. A healthy paw means a stronger body.
Easier and Stress-Free Grooming Sessions
Fewer struggles during grooming occur due to shorter nails. Your dog becomes used to it and does not fear it. This allows grooming to be fast and friendly for both of you.
To make grooming easier, consider professional dog grooming Dubai services. A lot of mobile groomers and salons offer stress-free full-service grooming, including nail trimming.
Signs It’s Time for a Nail Trim
Knowing when the nails are too long may be difficult. Look out for these clear signs.
Clicking Sounds on Hard Floor
Can you hear tap-tap-tap as your dog walks? That is the sound of nails and the floor. It is an indicator that a nail trim is needed.
Limping or Avoiding Walks
If your dog is limping or avoiding walks, consider checking the paws. Long nails make every step hurt. Catch it early and trim them down.
Nails Curling Into Paw Pads
Nail curling is a serious issue as well. Curled nails claw at your dog’s skin. That is very painful and requires a vet’s attention immediately. This can be avoided by regular trimming.
Red or Swollen Paw Pads
Pressure from long nails makes pads swell. They turn red and feel hot. Your dog might lick them too much. That’s a clear sign to trim.
Claws Not Retracting Normally
When your dog is calm, their nails should rest gently on the ground. If the nails are sticking out or looking sharp even while the dog is lying down, then they have grown long.
Cracked or Broken Nails
If you see split nails or missing pieces, it’s a warning. That nail might break completely. Time to grab the clippers or visit a groomer.
Wrapping Up
Regular dog nail trimming is more than an ordinary grooming practice. It is essential for maintaining your dog’s well-being. This allows dogs to move around freely and partake in their favorite activities without discomfort. It protects their feet and fortifies their entire physique.
Don’t wait for the clicking sound or limping to appear. Set a reminder. Mark your calendar. Make nail trimming part of regular grooming routines. If you cannot do it alone, get assistance.
As the owner of the dog, paying attention to the minor details is your responsibility. And trust us, short nails make a big difference.
Healthy nails = a happy, pain-free pup.
Looking for professional caregivers? Bruno’s Play Center is your best choice for effortless dog grooming in Dubai. At Bruno’s, happy paws always come first.
