What Happens If a Dog’s Nails Get Too Long? Risks & Solutions

Imagine walking around every day with shoes that are too tight, forcing your toes to curl uncomfortably with every step. Does it sound miserable? When your dog's nails become excessively long, this is precisely what happens. Because they view it as just aesthetic, many pet owners neglect the necessity of routine nail care. However, the reality is that your beloved pet might experience significant discomfort, trouble walking, and even chronic health concerns including infections and joint damage due to long nails.

The issue is that dogs' nails continuously develop and can become overgrown due to lack of trimming or natural wear and tear from harsh surfaces.

Here, we'll discuss in detail the symptoms of long nails in dogs, the reasons why this is an issue, and some easy ways to keep your dog's nails in good condition.

Why Do Dog Nails Grow Too Long?

Like human nails, dog nails never stop growing. Having said that, if a dog spends most of its time indoors or walks on soft ground, its nails won't naturally wear down. 

Breeds that don't get much exercise tend to have nails that grow too long. Curling, splitting, or even growing into the paw pads are all painful consequences of neglected nail care.

What Are The Immediate Consequences of Long Dog Nails?

1. Pain and Discomfort

Your dog's long nails may dig into the floor as it walks. The toes and paws will hurt from the pressure that pushes the nail bed higher. Joint discomfort or even arthritis may develop as a result of this over time. Think about how painful it is to walk in shoes that are too tight; your dog goes through the exact same thing.

2. Having Trouble Walking

A dog's gait will vary if its nails are excessively long. In order to protect their nails from harm, they could walk strangely. Muscle and joint strain from this abnormal motion can cause mobility problems down the road.

3. Potential for Cracking or Splitting

Nails that are longer have a higher risk of breaking or splitting. Not only is it painful, but it also poses the risk of infection or bleeding. In addition to exposing the quick, the delicate inside portion of the nail, a broken nail can cause excruciating agony.

What Are Long-Term Health Risks of Overgrown Nails?

1. Joint and Bone Problems

A dog's paw strikes the floor differently when its nails are excessively long. The strain on the joints caused by this imbalance might result in damage to the tendon or arthritis. Your dog's standard of living may suffer as a result of this in the long run.

2. Ingrown Nails

Untrimmed nails can twist and grow into the pads of the paws. Infected ingrown nails are not only uncomfortable, but also infectious. Surgery to extract the infected nail and cure the infection may be necessary in extreme instances.

3. Problems with Posture

Your dog's posture will have to change because of his long nails. Back pain and misalignment of the spine are possible outcomes. They may be less active overall since their posture makes it harder for them to run, jump, and play.

How to Know If Your Dog Has Excessively Long Nails?

Examining your dog's nails is a simple task that even a novice can undertake. A sign that they are excessively lengthy are these:

• When dogs walk on hard floors, you could notice a clicking sound. This could be an indication that their nails are excessively long.
• The length of your dog's nails should be visible when they stand; they shouldn't touch the floor. A trim is in order if this happens.
• Nails that are curled or developing in an uneven pattern indicate that they require care.

How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails Safely?

1. Use the Right Tools

Obtain a grinder or high-quality dog nail clippers. Both guillotine and scissor-style clippers are available. If your dog is afraid of getting its nails clipped, a grinder is the way to go. If the problem persists, control them with a sturdy dog collar and a flexible dog leash.

2. Know the Anatomy

Pink and home to the nail's blood vessels and nerves, the quick is an important nail component. In addition to being painful, cutting into the quick can lead to bleeding. Trim dark-nail dogs little pieces at a time so you don't cut into their quick.

3. Take It Slow

A good place to start when your dog is anxious is by handling their paws frequently. Make little, gradual movements with the grinder or clippers. To establish a favorable association, reward them with praise and treats.

4. Consult an Expert

See a vet or dog groomer if you need help with your pet's nail care. Get your nails trimmed by experts who can also demonstrate safe at-home techniques.

Preventing Long Nails in the Future

1. Consistent Trimming

Depending on how quickly your dog grows, you should trim their nails every two to four weeks. To make future trims easier, keep the quick from getting too long by clipping it often.

2. Work Out on Hard Surfaces

A natural way to wear down your dog's nails is to walk them on concrete or asphalt. But this isn't a substitute for routine trimming.

3. Monitor Growth

Inspect your dog's nails regularly and cut them when they become excessively long. It is possible to avoid problems by intervening early.

How often should I trim my dog's nails to prevent them from getting too long?

How often you should cut your dog's nails is dependent on how active they are and the kind of surfaces they typically tread on. Dogs often need their nails trimmed every three to four weeks. By keeping up with routine care, you may keep your nails at a healthy length and avoid the problems that come with overgrown nails.

Will my dog be less active or behave differently if its nails are long?

The length of a dog's nails does, in fact, affect how active and social the dog is. Dogs may slow down or perhaps stop playing altogether if they're in too much pain from having their nails grown too long. 

Weight gain and related health issues might result from this lack of physical activity. Because long nails are so painful for some dogs, they may modify their behavior, becoming more irritable or anxious. For your dog's comfort and general health, it is essential to keep their nails at a reasonable length.

Is it better to hire a professional or try to clip my dog's nails myself if they're too long?

You can trim your dog's nails at home if you know what you're doing and have the correct equipment. You should probably get a pro to handle it if your dog has extremely long nails or if you're not comfortable doing it yourself. 

To minimize the danger of harm to your dog, it is best to get your dog's nails trimmed by a veterinarian or professional groomer. Another way to avoid having your nails overgrown is to get them professionally groomed on a regular basis.

Take Action for Your Dog’s Well-Being!

Long nails aren't merely an unsightly nuisance; they can really be harmful to your dog's health in the long run. You can keep your dog healthy and happy by being aware of the dangers and taking preventative measures. As a responsible pet owner, you must do the easy yet necessary task of regularly brushing your pet's nails. Get a head start on clipping your dog's nails now, before he or she experiences any discomfort.

The health and happiness of your dog depends on you. By giving your pet the TLC it deserves, you may spare them the hassle of dealing with long nails and ensure their comfort and activity levels remain high for many years to come.

EMPAWR is a community-powered lifestyle dog brand with the mission to empower and inspire the next generation of dog owners to celebrate dog's individuality and personality. Explore our high-quality, jewelry dog ID tags, dog collars, dog leashes, dog bandanas and more at www.EMPAWR.com.