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Nail Trims




Why Should You Trim Your Dogs Nails? 

Photo Courtesy of Planned Property Management

You hear the click clacking across the floor when it is quiet. You turn and it is the sweet face of your dog. You may or may not look at what is making that click clacking sound. The next day your dog is limping and you have no idea why. You look at the paw pads and toes and realize that one of the nails is broken. What do you do? Trim their nails! 

Why is this important though? It is no different than you wearing a pair of shoes that do not fit correctly. The anatomy of the dog is set so that they can place their paws on the ground and push off. If the nails are too long, they are unable to rotate properly, then it changes the gait of your pet and they are not able to move as they should. Another reason to trim regularly is that sometimes the nails grow so long that they can grow into the paw pads of the pet, especially the declaws. 
This can be painful for them.  
Believe it or not, this is a very common problem here at Hazel Dell Animal Hospital for many patients. Your dog might be outside and turn quickly on the deck, they may be running through the house, or it could just be that a nail was bumped up against something and broke. All of these are very common reasons for a broken nail. 
How can you avoid a broken toenail? Nail Trims! 
You can trim your dog's nails at home, with the groomer, or you can have our staff here trim them for you. We are also happy to show you how to trim nails properly. 

This photo is one of a nail that is starting to grow into a dogs paw pad 
and will cause pain to the pet. 
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cd7YfYuVAAAOwkj.jpg


This is a picture of before and after the nail trim. Can you see the difference?

http://96.30.15.4/~gooddogc/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/nail-trim-2.jpg

This last picture is a diagram of how to avoid making your pet bleed during a nail trim. There is a portion called the quick, which is the blood supply. If you cut this, it can bleed and could be painful for the pet. Some dogs are more sensitive as well so you should use caution if you have never trimmed your pets' nails before. If you trim at a 45 degree angle, you are less likely to hit the quick. Remember to check for the front and rear dewclaws. These are the nails that are less likely to touch the ground or be worn down by walking.  
  
Do you need to trim your pets nails often? Honestly it is dependent upon your individual dog. Some will need their nails trimmed every 3 weeks or so and some dogs almost never. If you think that your pets' nails might be too  long, listen to them walk across a hardwood floor or look at the nail while they are standing on a flat surface. Ideally the nail should not be touching the ground. If you have any questions about nail trims or would like us here at Hazel Dell to trim them, please give us a call at 317-846-8710. 


written by Danielle Fuller ~ RVT

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