Preventing Paw Injuries The Importance of Regular Dog Nail Trimming

Beware!! Letting Your Dog's Nails Grow Too Long Can Hurt Their Paws

Copper came in to see the vet with bleeding on his paw. The vet examined him and found that his nail had grown too long and cracked at the base, causing bleeding. Nails are used for gripping, running, or walking. Nails that grow too long can crack and bleed, or they may curl and dig into the paw pad, causing injury to our dog.

Nail Trimming Recommendations

Generally, both dogs and cats should have their nails trimmed once a month. A helpful tip is to trim your pet's nails right after a bath, since soaking in water softens the nails, making them easier to trim. You should also use clippers designed specifically for pets, for safety.

The easiest way to tell is if you notice their nails have grown long enough to touch the ground, making a clicking sound while walking or running -- that means it's time to trim your beloved pet's nails.