Proper grooming is essential for both the health and comfort of your dog. Some owners choose to let a professional groomer handle the bathing, styling, and nail trimming, while others prefer to take care of their dog’s grooming needs at home. One common question among dog owners who groom their own pets is: How often should I trim my dog’s nails?
While some may think the answer is as simple as “when they get too long,” there’s actually more to it than that. Ideally, you wouldn’t need to trim your dog’s nails at all (except for the dew claw). This is because, with proper exercise and the right conditions, a dog’s nails would naturally stay at the perfect length.
The Importance of Exercise for Nail Health
When you take your dog for walks, the nails will wear down with each step. This is nature’s way of keeping a dog’s nails trimmed. However, if a dog doesn’t get enough exercise, their nails will grow so long that you’ll hear them tapping on the floor as they walk. This is when trimming becomes necessary.
The exception to this rule is the dew claw. This claw grows on the inner side of the paw, and since it doesn’t touch the ground during exercise, it needs to be trimmed regularly. If the dew claw isn’t properly maintained, it could bend and grow into the dog’s skin or pad, which may require surgery if not addressed promptly. Infections and other complications can also arise.
Many dogs resist the nail trimming portion of their grooming routine, making the process more challenging. An uncooperative dog can make it difficult to trim their nails safely. If they squirm a lot, you might accidentally trim the nail too short, cutting the “quick” (the fleshy tissue under the nail). Cutting the quick can cause significant bleeding and is very painful for your dog. In some cases, dogs may become so distressed by nail trimming that they require sedation. If your dog seems overly upset, it’s best not to continue and instead consult with your vet or a professional groomer for advice.
If a dog has not been properly exercised, their nails may grow too long. When this happens, the quick may also grow longer than usual to nourish the entire nail. In this case, you may need to leave the nail longer (depending on the quick’s length) or consider a more drastic solution, where a vet trims both the nail and the quick while the dog is under general anesthesia.
Proper grooming throughout your dog’s life can help prevent such issues. Because trimming a dog’s nails requires a certain level of skill, the best course of action is to leave this task to the professionals. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, there are tools available that can make the job simpler and safer.
Tools You Will Need
Trimmers
There are several types of trimmers available, with the two most common being guillotine and scissor trimmers. Many groomers recommend guillotine trimmers, but it’s a good idea to have both types on hand.
Scissor trimmers are easier to use on nails that have begun to curl, while guillotine trimmers are safer for straight nails. The reason for this is that the guillotine trimmer has a ring that rests on the point of the nail you want to trim, holding it in place as you cut, which reduces the risk of cutting too short.
Just in Case
You should keep some corn starch or a styptic pencil on hand in case you trim too far and accidentally cut the quick. These items can help stop the bleeding quickly. Even without them, the bleeding should stop on its own within about five minutes. If it doesn’t, you should contact your vet.
Whichever tools you choose to use, be careful not to trim too much. Light-colored nails are easier to trim safely since the quick is visible, so you can easily see how far down to cut. It’s safe to trim light-colored nails in one clip. However, with dark nails, the quick is not visible, making it easier to trim too far. In this case, trim in several small cuts to reduce the chance of cutting into the quick.
If your dog is especially sensitive to trimmers, or if you’re nervous about using them, there is another option for keeping your dog’s nails at the proper length.
Dremel Tools
Some dog owners and groomers opt to use a Dremel tool to keep their dog’s nails at an appropriate length. Dremels can be purchased at most hardware stores and work as a motorized nail file. Instead of trimming the nails, use the Dremel to file them down to the desired length.
Note: Most Dremel tools come with both stone and sandpaper attachments. Only use the sandpaper attachment—never the stone. Additionally, you should select a tool with adjustable speeds and always use the lowest setting.
Final Thoughts
So, how often should you trim your dog’s nails? The answer varies depending on the dog. Ideally, you should check your dog’s nails weekly to ensure they aren’t getting too long. Also, listen for the “click, click, click” of their nails when they walk across the floor—if you hear this, it’s time for a trim. If you’re not completely confident in trimming your dog’s nails, it’s likely best to leave the task to a professional groomer.
