Few pet parents enjoy trimming their dog's nails. So is it okay to skip the clip?

Macro of dachshund paw

Trimming a canis familiaris's toenails is one of those tricky tasks that many dog owners would prefer to toss in the too-difficult basket. After all, it'south fiddly, can exist stressful and is probable to put anybody in a bad mood.

And then can you lot go away with skipping a clipping? The short answer is no. Trimming your canine companion's nails is a task that mustn't be ignored. Here are a few reasons why you lot need to take a deep jiff and become it done.

1. Your dog tin't trim their nails themselves

As recently as a couple of centuries back, dogs were rarely kept as pets. Canines were workers starting time and foremost, and because they were out rounding upwards cattle and guarding flocks of sheep and racing afterwards vermin all day, their nails were worn downwards naturally and didn't need trimming. These days, still, the majority of dogs spend almost of their time indoors, their only exercise a leisurely stroll effectually the block each day if they're lucky. Activity-induced pedicures are a thing of the by, which means it's upward to us to keep those nails in check.

two. Long nails are a health hazard for dogs

If your dog's nails get also long, they're more likely to break. This tin exit the sensitive quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels, open to painful infections. Dewclaws (aka the dog's "thumbs") can be hazardous, considering they never come into contact with the ground, and so don't become worn down, significant they're prone to communicable on things and existence torn off. Be sure to take extra care to too maintain these nails as well.

3. Unruly nails can crusade hurting for your canis familiaris

Excessively long nails can cause joint hurting, arthritis and even skeletal damage, considering they tin can brand the basic in the feet flatten and change the way a dog walks. By trimming your canis familiaris'due south nails, you can avoid this.

iv. Your furniture will cheers

A few decades ago, everyone had carpet. These days, however, exposed floorboards are all the rage. While they may look corking, they're not compatible with long dog nails. Regular smash clipping will avert blast divots and scratch marks on wooden floors, non to mention leather sofas, limestone tiles and other soft surfaces.

And so, no – yous shouldn't skip the clip. Trimming your domestic dog'due south nails is extremely of import for maintaining their overall wellness.

Questions y'all may have about trimming your domestic dog's nails:

Tin I cut my dog's nails with human nail clippers?

Human nail clippers tin be used to clip your puppies nails, only it will be much harder to do effectively as they grow up. Your adult dog's nails will likely need to be cut using a specialised tool. Petbarn has a variety of nail trimmers designed specifically for dog claws for a safer and easier process.

How ofttimes should you cutting a dog'southward nails ?

You should cut your domestic dog'due south nails every month or two. You should bank check the condition of your dog'south paws often to encounter if at that place are whatever noticeable issues.

How curt can I cut my dogs nails?

It is very important that you do not cut your dog's nails too curt. This will crusade considerable pain for your dog and can result in bleeding. Our full guide on how to trim your domestic dog's nails tin can be found here.

Where can I get my dog's nails cut?

If you're non confident that you can do this chore yourself, take your canis familiaris in to a Petbarn grooming salon or your local Greencross Vets where the professionals can help yous provide the best care for your pet.