When standing on a flat level surface nails should be at least a few millimeters off the ground and should not be heard when a dog is walking.   (see examples below)

Why is this incredibly important?

When a dog is able to use the full face of their pads:

• It increases the toes’ range of motion which allows for more strength and function; especially in the forelimbs
• Decreases arthritis – not just in the carpal joints but the entire body
• Better proprioception – tells the dog’s brain where the ground is and what is an incline, what kind of surface they are on, etc.
• Better posture – helps to increase strength along the neck and back
• Long nails get in the way of a dog’s ability to grip on slick surfaces
• Long nails are more likely to cause toes to splay which can be very painful
• Dew claws will be more functional, less likely to get caught and rip

To maintain a healthy length, most dogs need their nails done every 1-4 weeks. Nail care really is vital to increasing the wellness of a dog’s life, but is commonly overlooked. Which is why I offer in home nail trimming OR lessons so you can learn the skills to do this yourself; or if your dog does better at home than in a grooming or veterinary envirnoment.

 

 

Some of the things I will go over with you during a lesson:

• Desensitizing a dog to handling of their paws
• What is the ‘quick’ and when to stop cutting
• What is the best position to have your dog in for nail care
• Which tools to use and where you can get them
• How to introduce a dremel

A lot of people are afraid to do their dogs’ nails for one reason or another. They themselves are afraid, their dog has had a bad experience, they don’t know how to cut or the dog hates the dremel tool, etc. The opportunity to learn to do it yourself is a wonderful opportunity!

 

 

The following are some examples of what a healthy nail length looks like:

 

While these are some examples of nails that are too long:

 

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” -Jim Rohn

 

 

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