Your pet’s nail care should be a routine grooming addition. Clipping the nails regularly is important. If your pet lives indoors or is an elderly pet trimming their nails is essential. Outdoor pets that are free to run around often wear down their nails without the aid of clipping or trimming. Different breeds of dogs have differently shaped feet and nails. The shape of the nail and foot will have an impact on how often their nails need to be trimmed. If your pet is active on a hard or rough surface and has nails that grow down, trimming will be required less frequently than an animal that has forward growing nails.

Dew claws, which are the little claws on the inside of the front leg, do not often touch the ground. These little claws will still need to be monitored and trimmed regularly.

The time frame between trimming a dog’s nails varies, with some dogs needing to have the tips cut off every week or two. Veterinarians will recommend that you inspect your dogs’ nails at regular intervals, to see when they need a trim. A quick trick is to pay attention to the sound of your dog’s nails on a hardwood floor, if there is any variation in the sound, it is time to get the clippers or make an appointment.

Our feline companions need to have their nails tended too. The intervals between trimmings will depend on the breed and the cat’s lifestyle. Indoor cats tend to have their claws trimmed more often than outdoor cats.

What happens if my pet’s nails get too long?

Letting your pet go too long without a trim could end in pain and infection. Pet’s claws can split, break or bleed. Infections caused by poor nail care can spread to the toes and the feet. Dogs are not as fortunate as cats, if their nails become too long they can hook on things and tear. If left untrimmed your dog’s nails can grow into a spiral shape and affect their ability to walk. Cats are fortunate and can retract their claws, this does not mean that a cat’s nails do not need to be trimmed.

Do not neglect your dogs nail care. A dog’s nails could curl so far that they puncture the animal’s paw. This kind of wound can lead to an infection and the dog not being able to walk. Make it a routine to check your pet’s nails once a month, and trim if you need to. Neglecting this routine will see the nail “quick” grow out with the nails causing complications. Make sure that you never clip the “quick”. This soft cuticle is full of nerve endings and will not only bleed but cause your pet pain. If an accident does happen and you cut the “quick” quickly push the nail into a bar of stop to slow and stop the bleeding.

Come down and see us for a complimentary appointment, we will check your pet’s nails. If they need a trim, we have various clippers to suit every pet, from small to large. Let us teach you how to cut your pet’s nails at home or make an appointment for us to do it for you.

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