Nails are easy to forget until you hear them on the kitchen tiles or one catches on the carpet. This guide is for owners who want to keep their dog’s nails at a comfortable length, at home or with a groomer or vet.
In short: check your dog’s nails regularly, clip only the tips, stay a few millimetres clear of the quick, and do not forget the dewclaws. If your dog has dark nails and you are not sure where to stop, or nail trims upset your dog, it is safer to let a professional do it.
Why do long nails hurt dogs?
A dog’s nails keep growing throughout its life. PDSA explains that walking on hard surfaces should wear them down naturally, but sometimes nails are not worn down as quickly as they grow, especially in dogs walked on softer surfaces.
When nails get too long, PDSA says they can snag, split or even grow into the pad, which can be painful and lead to bleeding and infection. The American Kennel Club (AKC) adds that as a long nail hits the ground, the pressure puts force on the foot and leg structure. Over time, long nails can turn a sound paw into a splayed foot, reduce traction, and even cause deformed feet and injured tendons.
Long nails also catch on things. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that longer nails get snagged on carpet, upholstery or grass roots more than short ones, and that a torn nail on a single toe can be excruciatingly painful.
How do I know if my dog’s nails are too long?
Try this test from PDSA’s vets: hold your dog’s paw flat on the palm of your hand. As a general rule, if the nails touch your hand, they may be slightly on the long side.
Other things to watch for:
- Clicking on hard floors. PDSA says you might hear long nails clicking as your dog walks. But Blue Cross points out that dogs cannot retract their nails, so you will always hear some clicking on solid surfaces, and that alone does not necessarily mean the nails need clipping.
- Licking or chewing the paws. PDSA and Blue Cross both say this can be a sign that the nails are causing discomfort. Blue Cross notes that paw licking is more often caused by allergies, so see your vet to find out why.
- Age and mobility. Blue Cross says overgrown nails are more likely if your dog is lame, arthritic or less active because of age. See our post on grooming senior dogs.
How often should you clip your dog’s nails?
There is no single schedule for every dog. The AKC says most dogs need nail trims every three to four weeks, but that frequency depends on activity level and how quickly the nails grow.
Some dogs need trims far less often. Blue Cross explains that if you walk your dog on pavements or roads, the claws that touch the concrete wear down to the correct length, and in most cases natural wear is enough, with an additional trim now and again. If you have never cut your dog’s nails before, Blue Cross suggests asking your vet first, because it is often not necessary. Either way, PDSA recommends checking the nails routinely, and the AKC notes that regular trimming causes the quick to recede from the end of the nail.
How do I clip my dog’s nails without cutting the quick?
The quick is the living centre of the nail. The AKC describes it as the pink part that supplies blood to the nail, and PDSA explains that it contains blood vessels and nerves, so cutting into it can bleed a lot and be very painful. PDSA advises cutting a few millimetres away from it.
- Get your dog used to having its feet handled. Blue Cross says many dogs are sensitive about their feet, so make sure your dog is comfortable with you touching its paws, and show it the clippers with a treat a few days before. The AKC suggests handling a puppy’s paws gently and cheerfully from the first day.
- Use the right tool. PDSA advises dog-specific nail clippers from a vet or pet shop.
- Hold the paw firmly but gently, flexing the pads slightly so you can see the nail better (PDSA).
- Take just the tips. Clip only the tip of the nail, straight across (AKC), then check again where the quick is before deciding whether a little more needs to come off (PDSA).
- Do not forget the dewclaws (see below).
- Keep it positive. PDSA recommends treats during and after. If your dog gets stressed, stop, give a treat and try again another time.
For a wary dog, VCA suggests many small steps: touch a less sensitive area such as the shoulder first, pair each touch with praise and a treat, and gradually work down towards the paw, in sessions of a minute or two a few days a week. Slow down if your dog leans or looks away, yawns, folds its ears back or tucks its tail.
Dark nails
Blue Cross notes that black claws are harder to trim because you cannot see the quick. PDSA suggests judging where to cut from the quick in a similar light-coloured nail, or asking your vet to show you if all the nails are dark. VCA’s general advice for any trim is to shave off tiny bits repeatedly, rather than cutting once, until you reach the stopping point, and the AKC advises not clipping past the curve of the nail and, for dark nails, watching for a chalky white ring. If you are unsure, Blue Cross says it is safer to let a vet or nurse do it, because nicking the quick leaves a dog very sore and may make it reluctant to have its nails trimmed again.
Dewclaws
Dewclaws sit further up the leg on the inside, and PDSA notes they can be on both the front and the back legs. Because they do not reach the ground, Blue Cross explains, they do not wear down naturally and can overgrow. PDSA warns that they are easily missed and may curl back into the pad, which can be very painful and an infection risk.
What should I do if my dog’s nail bleeds?
Stay calm. PDSA says nails can seem to bleed a lot, but it is unlikely to cause problems for a healthy dog. PDSA’s vets also advise that if you do catch a nail and it is bleeding, you ring your vet and ask for advice.
- For a small nick while trimming, PDSA suggests dipping the nail in cornflour to help it clot, or holding cotton wool on it until the bleeding stops. The AKC recommends having styptic powder or another clotting powder on hand in case you cut a nail too short; ask your vet which product suits your pet.
- For a broken nail, apply pressure. VCA advises having someone hold your dog, because even the nicest pet may bite when in pain, then wrapping the foot in gauze or a towel and applying pressure to the injured toe. If the bleeding does not stop in 5 to 10 minutes, VCA suggests a styptic product, or covering the nail with baking powder or flour if you do not have one. A broken nail still needs your vet (see below).
- If the bleeding still does not stop, contact your vet (AKC).
When should you see a vet instead?
Contact your vet, rather than trimming at home or booking a groom, if:
- A nail is broken or torn. VCA says a broken nail hurts, bleeds and needs immediate attention. The damaged part usually needs to be removed by a vet, and because the quick is attached to bone, damage to it can lead to a serious bone infection.
- Your dog is licking or chewing a sore paw, a nail has grown into the pad, or the base of a nail is swollen. Blue Cross advises visiting your vet instead of cutting the claws at home, because if the paw is sore or infected you might cause pain. PDSA agrees: if you notice signs of painful claws, see your vet before trying to cut the nails yourself.
- Bleeding will not stop after pressure and a clotting product.
- Your dog shows extreme fear, such as trembling, heavy drooling, panting, growling or snapping. VCA says it is best to consult a professional, such as your vet, as forcing the issue can make the fear worse.
If you simply find nail trimming nerve-racking, the AKC notes that professional groomers will do the task for squeamish owners.
How Mutt Cuts can help
At Mutt Cuts Pet Parlour in Wierdapark, nail clipping is included with a groom at no extra charge, and you can also book “Nail clipping only” between grooms. If your dog is nervous about having its paws handled, tell us when you book and we will take it slowly and let your dog set the pace (see nervous dogs). Groomers do not diagnose, so a broken nail, a nail grown into the pad or a sore, swollen paw should go to your vet first. See our services page, or contact us to book.