Importance of Pet Nail Care!

Nail trimming is an essential part of pet care, just like with humans! Clean, trimmed nails on your pet can be a clear sign of good hygiene and health.

Nail care is more than cosmetic. Long nails can cause significant discomfort.

Have you ever let your own toenails grow too long, put on enclosed shoes then felt uncomfortable pressure? This is like what dogs go through if their nails are too long (with or without the shoes). If your dog’s nails are constantly pushing against the floor, the nail bed is being pushed back into their feet. As you can imagine, this can be extremely uncomfortable – every time they take a step!

If this happens for an extended period, their foreleg joints will realign and make the paw look flat and splayed out. More importantly, your pup will be in constant discomfort whenever they’re on the move.

Untrimmed nails are also more susceptible to injuries. If your dog’s long nails are causing them pain while walking, he or she will likely redistribute their body weight to avoid the pain. This may cause their body’s alignment to be off when they move, making them more susceptible to injuries. While it’s always important to make sure your dog’s nails are trimmed, it’s especially important in older dogs with arthritis, weakness, and balance problems.

Additionally, long toenails on your dog can easily catch onto things. When caught, these toenails can tear or cause your dog’s whole toe to be wrenched. Veterinarians are frequently treating injuries like these, so please schedule your nail trim appointment as soon as possible to prevent this from happening!

Keeping the nails short also prevents ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails on dogs are nails that have grown so long that they curl and grow right back into a dog’s paw pads. Not only is this incredibly painful, but it also creates open wounds in their paws that often become infected. Without treatment, ingrown nails can eventually cause total lameness.

Ingrown nails are seen more often in older dogs because their nails tend to grow thicker, combined with less natural nail grinding due to outdoor activity. If you have a senior dog, make sure you’re having their nails trimmed every 3-4 weeks minimum.

Look at your dog’s nails, one at a time. If you see any nails growing back towards their paw pads, please make an appointment with us at Companion Veterinary Mobile Center, or whoever your regular is, as soon as possible to get the situation under control before a larger problem occurs.

Our Tips

Nail trimming can be difficult especially for first-timers and anxious pets. If possible, we recommend handling your pet’s feet while they are young, so they can become accustomed to the process. It is important to remain calm and patient while trimming your pet’s nails and remember to create a positive experience with praise and treats. Just like humans, pet personalities can vary widely. While some may not mind having their claws handled, others may take a more defensive route.

If at any point you feel uncomfortable with the process or think you are causing your pet pain, stop and contact us or your local veterinarian or groomer for further instructions. We are happy to help you and even give you a quick tutorial lesson beforehand if you need it.

Supplies

It doesn’t take a full pet salon to trim your pet’s nails. You will only need a few tools. We recommend:

• Nail Clippers: There are a variety of options you can choose from. Always use clippers that are designed for your pet. For larger reptiles, it may be easier and safer to use a Dremel nail file and a sanding bit as they do not make clippers large enough for big lizards.

• Towel: A thick towel or blanket can be used to gently restrain and relax your pet during the process.

• Styptic Powder: In the event you cut the quick, use styptic powder or another blood clotting powder such as flour or cornstarch to stop the bleeding

• Treats: Treats and praise can help to create a positive environment and pleasant experience

In some cases, with larger animals or more anxious pets, it can be helpful to have an extra pair of hands as well.

How to Trim

Hold your pet in your lap or on a steady surface so he can remain still while you cut his nails. This is especially true for rabbits as they may kick out and injure themselves, so it is important to handle your pet correctly while providing firm support. Once your pet is comfortable and secure, you can begin the cutting.

For pups and kittens, pick up the paw and place your thumb on the pad of the toe and gently press down to expose the nail. Remember that cats have retractable claws so it may take some effort to extend the nail. Don’t squeeze the paw though!

For birds and reptiles, it is important to work quickly but carefully as often these pets don’t understand why they need to sit still for long periods of time. Talk to them gently to reassure them. Cut or file the nail straight across in small increments. Your goal is to trim the bottom end of the claw only. Don’t go beyond the natural curve of the nail. Go slowly and take breaks between each paw or nail, especially if your pet is restless. We recommend giving treats and praise after each nail, so your pet associates the action with positive energy.

What is the quick?

Before you begin cutting your pet’s nails, it is important to locate the quick. The quick is the center portion of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. Just like the pink part of our nails, this area can be very sensitive, and cutting into the quick will likely cause bleeding and pain. Typically, the quick begins near the natural curve of your pet’s nail so it is best not to cut beyond the curve.

With light or clear nails, the quick can be easy to locate due to its natural pink or red color. For darker nails, it can be more difficult to locate and you may need to cut in small increments to tell. After you’ve made the first cut, look at your pet’s nail head-on. If the inside appears whitish, you are still in the dead area of the nail and it is safe to continue cutting. We recommend making several small cuts rather than one large one. Continue cutting and look at the end of your pet’s nail after each cut. As you get closer to the quick the center of the nail will change color. It may eventually appear black with a grayish or pink center right before the quick. The trick is to trim a short portion of the nail at a time and then stop once the colored center appears.

What do I do if I cut the quick?

If a nail is accidentally cut too short, don’t panic. Quickly pack some of the styptic powder on the end of the nail to stop the bleeding. Though cutting the quick does hurt, the styptic powder contains a numbing agent to provide relief to your pet. Unless the nail has been cut drastically short, there is no reason for alarm if you accidentally cut a quick.

After the nail-trimming session is over, make sure you reward your pet with treats and love. The more consistently you cut the nails, the less your pet will associate nail trimming with stress and discomfort. Remember we are only a phone call away if you ever need our help. We are always happy to assist you in all aspects of your pet care. For more information on nail care for your pet or to schedule an appointment, contact Companion Veterinary Mobile Center Today.