When to Get Dog’s Nails Clipped

The answer to this question depends on the type of nails your dog has. Dogs with clear, white nails can have their nails cut at any time. However, dogs with black or dark brown nails should have their nails clipped when they are dry to avoid bleeding.

How do you know when your dog’s nails need clipping?

A good indicator that your dog’s claws may need a trim is if you can hear their claws clicking loudly as they move around on hard or tiled floors. Depending on how active your dog is, and the types of surface they walk on, you should aim to trim your dog’s claws once or twice a month.^[1]

When should I get my puppy’s nails clipped?

When Can I start Clipping my Puppy’s Nails? Start clipping puppies’ nails within the first week of bringing your puppy home, usually from around six weeks old, then clip them every week, even if it’s only a tiny amount. This would get them used to nail clipping.^[2]

How do I know if my dog’s nails are too long?

If a dog’s nails are too long, you will hear them clack when the dog walks on hard surfaces. Deciding if your dog’s nails are too long is quite simple. The claws should not protrude over the pad and should not touch the ground when standing.^[3]

When should you not cut your dog’s nails?

It depends. For example, you probably won’t need to trim them as often if your pup goes for frequent walks on concrete or asphalt. A good rule of thumb, however, is to clip their nails every 3 to 4 weeks. Don’t forget to file them as well—you don’t want there to be any split ends or sharp edges.^[4]

Do long nails hurt my dog?

Short quicks are the preferred length for the dog’s well-being and easy maintenance. Long nails can turn a sound paw into a splayed foot and reduce traction, and they can cause deformed feet and injure the tendons over an extended period.^[5]

Should dog nails click on floor?

A dog’s nails should be clipped often enough that they remain short enough to not click on the ground when a dog walks. Long nails that touch the ground may cause discomfort for your dog, and potentially cause problems down the road.^[6]

Where is the quick on black dog nails?

First, gently hold your dog’s paw in your hand. While looking down at your dog’s semi-transparent nails, locate the pink region in the center of each nail. This pink area showing through the outside of the nail is the quick. It’s that simple!^[7]

What happens if you never trim a dog’s nails?

If left untrimmed, the claws will eventually curve under the dog’s paws and dig into the skin, creating pain when they walk. Anyone who has ever experienced an ingrown toenail can attest to the amount of pain this will cause.^[8]

Is nail clipping painful for dogs?

Not only does cutting a dog’s nails too short cause them pain, but leaving them to grow too long can be even more painful. For instance, long nails can cause a dog to lose traction in their paw, making it easier for them to slip and fall, causing additional pain than that from the nail alone.^[9]

Is it better to trim or grind dog nails?

A grinding tool can give a smoother finish to the nail than the clipper and works well on thick nails. When working with dogs that have black nails, there is less chance of hitting the quick because owners feel that they have more control in the trimming process.^[10]

Does cutting the quick hurt dogs?

No dog wants to be hurt and no person wants to hurt their dog! Cutting a nail too short is colloquially called “quicking” because we call the nail bed, where the nerves and blood vessels live, the “quick”. So when you quick a dog, you damage the nerves and vessels and it hurts (a lot) and bleeds (a really lot).^[11]

How can I naturally get my dogs nails down?

Ways to File Those Nails Down Naturally Agility practice – those contacts are like sand paper and perfect for filing nails. Jogging on hard surface – get your exercise and wear down those nails at the same time. Biking on hard surface – If you can’t run with your dog, this is a good alternative.^[12]