As pet owners we want to make sure we provide the best pet care so that our dogs and cats are happy and healthy. We love them so much and care for them as if they are one of our children. We do our best to provide them with the necessities to live and we spoil them with all the extras that we can! Part of our pet’s care consists of basic grooming; brushing, bathing, and keeping their coat under control. The most important grooming task that some pet owners forget about is keeping your pet’s nails trimmed.
Did you know that keeping their nails trimmed improves their quality of life? Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But I can assure you that it does!
Just think about how uncomfortable your toenails can be if they get ‘too long’. You can feel pressure on your toes with each step that you take. The longer your toenails get, the more pressure and discomfort you feel. Your pets are no different.
These nails are TOO long!If your pet’s nails get too long, they can experience the following problems:
- Nails can tear which can be painful and/or become infected
- Pets can walk incorrectly due to long, painful nails which can strain their leg muscles and even strain their back
- Nails can grow directly into the pads of their paws – can you imagine walking with a toenail that has grown into the bottom of your toe? OUCH!
- Dewclaw nails can grow directly into their leg which is very painful and can cause our beloved pets to become aggressive
- Pets can actually become clumsy as long nails can throw off their traction and cause them to slip
Knowing the problems that long nails can cause, you are probably wondering how long is too long? Well, if you happen to hear clicking as your dog walks around the house, then their nails are likely too long. Try pressing your dog’s toe so that the nail is fully extended. If the nail curves beyond the toe pad, it’s too long.
If you see tears in your couch or curtains from your cat, those can be indications that your cat needs their nails trimmed.
What To Do For Long Nails
The easiest way to avoid cutting your pet’s nails is if their nails are filed down naturally. A great way to help avoid cutting your dog’s nails or stretch out the time in between trims is to take him/her on daily walks on a hard surface. The benefits of taking your dog on a daily walk keep getting better and better! If you don’t have enough time to walk your dog daily, hire a professional dog walking service such as Muddy Paws! Muddy Paws provides dog walking in Woburn, Melrose, Medford, Lexington, and many more towns! We offer a variety of walking services and have a convenient scheduling system. Learn more about our services and get started today.
For cats, the best way to naturally wear down their nails is for them to use a scratch pad. There are a variety of these products on the market for cats. A customer favorite seems to be a scratching post that also has a rope to play with like this tall scratching post. It seems that every cat we visit has this toy or something very similar! If you are in the market for a new way to spoil your cat, try a scratch pad.
Nail Trimmer Recommendations
Active dogs (and playful kitties!) tend to keep their nails at a healthy length as they wear them down on their walks, but most dogs do need regular nail trims. And, unfortunately, the majority of dogs do not like having someone touch their nails, never mind with strange objects like a nail clipper or grinder! Knowing what you can handle is very important. Anyone can technically cut nails, but being overzealous or inexperienced can lead to big problems. Don’t be afraid to seek help from professionals. They are professionals for a reason; let them do what they do best. If you are looking for a mobile nail trim, Muddy Paws can help you in that area as well.
If you are inclined to trim your cat or dog’s nails, here are some recommendations to try:
Cats, Bunnies, and Small Dogs
Medium to Large Dogs
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