Why Should You Trim Your Pet's Nails?

Your pet uses its claws not only for traction but also for protection. However, since they no longer live in the wild, pets don't naturally wear down their claws as they would in nature.

There are several important reasons to trim your pet's claws:

• If your pet’s claws are too long, they won’t walk properly, which can tense the muscles in their limbs and cause discomfort in their spine.

• Claws grow in a curved fashion, and the tips can dig into the skin. An ingrown claw often leads to an infection, which can be very painful.

• Claws provide traction, improving an animal’s ability to walk and run without slipping. When claws are too long, pets are more prone to slipping, increasing the risk of injury.

• Torn claws are more common with overgrown claws. Treatment can be painful, sometimes requiring long-term antibiotics or even surgery.

If your pet’s claws make a clicking sound when they walk, they are likely too long. Hold your dog’s foot and press down on the toe to fully extend the claw. If the claw curves beyond the pad's bottom, it needs trimming.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, or ask your groomer or a member of our veterinary team to trim your pet’s claws.

Lise Benoit - VT