DOG NAIL MAINTENANCE IS IMPORTANT TO THEIR HEALTH

​Sometimes the care of dog's feet can be overlooked.  The proper care and examination of your dog's nails allows them to walk properly on their toes, avoid unnecessary injury, and allows them to remain active.  Providing these services for your dog yourself also makes your relationship more bonded, and teaches your dog to trust you when doing these important tasks.
 
Your dog's nails should never be hitting the floor.   If they are hitting the floor, it is changing the natural way that they walk.  Dogs naturally walk on their toes, as this allows them to have more stealth and quiet.  Nails that are too long will cause the toes to splay, reduce traction, and over time may cause damage to the tendons.  Another painful injury that can happen with dogs who have nails that are too long are nail breaks.    Nail breaks are not only painful on their own, but can lead to becoming infected.  Spaces in between boards can catch your dog's nails as well, causing things like splits or breaks.

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​Owners are often fearful of cutting their dog's nails due to the following:
 

1. Their dog may not be so cooperative, and may put up a real fight.
2. The quick of the nail, where the blood and nerves are, may be cut into.
3. They have never done it before.
4. It just upsets their dog in general.

 
Luckily, there are ways to make this easier on everyone:
 

1. You can acclimate your dog to this slowly with daily or weekly care.  A conditioning muzzle will probably help you along, as well as keeping them on a leash during the procedure.
   1. Massage your dog's daily possibly with a muzzle if they are very sensitive about it.
   2. You can start with just one nail at a time if necessary.
   3. You can teach paw, so they have some control over the procedure.
2. If your dog has white nails, you can spot the quick (pink in the nail) easily.  If your dog has black nails, you can start by taking just a little bit off.
   1. Keep a septic pencil handy just in case.
   2. On black nails, you can spot where the nail hangs just a little over where the quick may be.   Just take small amount off at first.
   3. Using a nail grinder makes it harder to cut into the quick.
3. Don't forget that you can go slow.   Just start with getting your dog used to you handling their paws.   Then, when you are ready, just take a tiny amount off at first.  Remember you can go one nail at a time to begin.
4. Dogs and humans have some stress in their lives.  In the long term, your dog will get used to it, and will have a more comfortable, healthy and active life because the nails are taken care of.  Your dog will also trust your handling and care more, as they get become more and more accustomed to nail trims.
   1. Don't forget that you can use treats and affection after the nail trim or even after every nail is trimmed.  A conditioning muzzle will allow you to give your dog food rewards, which most dogs will allow unless they are very anxious about it.
   2. The quicker you get at clipping the nail, the less anxious your dog is bound to get.  Also, your dog will realize getting upset is non productive, and it can be over quickly.

​A dog's nail trim schedule can be different per dog.   Some dog's nails don't grow fast, and I might do every other week on that dog.  Other dog's have fast growing nails, and I may need to do their nails every week to just keep up.
 
I have never found a dog looks forward to this grooming, but you can make it easier and more enjoyable for your dog.   Nail care is essential for the health and well being of your dog, and knowing how to guide them through creates a stronger bond between both of you in the long run.