13/04/2025
Neglecting to trim a dog's nails can lead to an increased risk of injury and infection. REGULAR nail trimming is a crucial part of responsible dog ownership to ensure their comfort and overall health and well-being.
Heres the problems in not trimming them:
Physical Discomfort and Pain:
* Abnormal gait: Long nails can interfere with how a dog walks and runs. To compensate for the overgrown nails touching the ground, dogs may shift their weight and alter their gait meaning discomfort and strain on their joints and muscles.
* Pressure on paw pads: As nails grow, they can press back into the paw pads, causing pain and irritation.
* Curling and ingrown nails: In severe cases, overgrown nails can curl under and grow into the paw pads. This is extremely painful, can cause infections, and may require veterinary intervention.
* Torn or broken nails: Long nails are more likely to snag on carpets, furniture, or outdoor surfaces, leading to painful tears or breaks that can bleed and become infected.
Mobility Issues:
* Reduced traction: Overgrown nails can prevent the dog's paw pads from making proper contact with the ground, reducing their grip and increasing the risk of slipping and falling, especially on smooth surfaces.
* Joint problems: The altered gait caused by overgrown nails can put undue stress on the dog's joints, potentially contributing to the development or worsening of arthritis over time.
Other Health Risks:
* Infections: Ingrown or torn nails create open wounds that are susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.
* Nail bed damage: Chronic pressure from overgrown nails can damage the nail bed.
* Overgrown quick: The "quick" is the living tissue inside the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. If nails are consistently allowed to grow too long, the quick also grows longer. This makes it more difficult to trim the nails to a healthy length without causing pain and bleeding.
Behavioral Changes:
* Reluctance to walk or play: Due to the discomfort, dogs with overgrown nails may become less active and reluctant to go for walks or play.
* Excessive licking or chewing at paws: This can be a sign of irritation or pain caused by the overgrown nails.
* Increased irritability: The constant discomfort can make a dog more irritable or sensitive to having their paws touched.
Nail trims AT PPR available - £12 per dog
Play, Paws, Repeat provides a professional and loving Pet Care Service in a clean and safe environment The needs of my clients (incl.
