The Risks of Long Dog Nails
When a dog's nails grow too long, it can lead to a surprising number of health and behavioral issues. You might not notice right away, but overgrown nails can quietly erode your dog's comfort and well-being.
Why Nail Length Matters
A dog's nails are more than just cosmetic—they play a crucial role in how your pet moves and interacts with the world. When nails get too long, they start to touch the ground constantly. This shifts your dog's natural stance and gait, which puts extra pressure on their toes and joints.
Pain and Discomfort
One of the most immediate effects of long nails is pain. With each step, the nail pushes back into the nail bed. Imagine wearing shoes that are too small every day—it's like that for your pup, only worse because their entire weight presses down on those sensitive tips.
- Limping or favoring paws: Dogs may avoid putting weight on affected feet.
- Reluctance to walk or play: Painful feet make activity less appealing.
- Licking or chewing at paws: A sign they're trying to relieve discomfort.
Injury Risks
Nails that extend past the pad are much more likely to snag on carpets, cracks in sidewalks, or even grass. When this happens, a nail can tear or split—sometimes painfully down to the quick (the sensitive part inside). Bleeding and infection often follow these injuries.
- Torn nails can expose nerves and blood vessels.
- Bacteria easily enter through split or broken nails.
- Painful injuries may require veterinary care or antibiotics.
Posture and Joint Stress
If you let your dog's nails grow unchecked for weeks or months, their posture starts to change subtly. To avoid pressure on their sore toes, dogs shift their weight backward. Over time, this unnatural stance strains leg joints—especially wrists (carpus) and elbows in front legs—and can contribute to arthritis later in life.
- Splayed feet: To accommodate long nails, toes spread apart awkwardly.
- Joint misalignment: Chronic compensation leads to abnormal wear on cartilage.
Behavioral Changes
Painful feet don't just slow your dog down—they can make them irritable or anxious. Some dogs become less social; others snap when you touch their paws. You might notice them hesitating at stairs or refusing walks altogether.
Nail Curling and Embedded Nails
If left completely untrimmed, some dogs' nails will curl under and actually grow into the paw pad itself—a situation that's both excruciating and prone to infection. This is especially common in dewclaws (the "thumb" nail higher up on the leg), which don't touch the ground as much but still keep growing.
How Often Should You Trim?
The ideal frequency depends on your dog's activity level (and whether they walk mostly on soft grass or abrasive pavement). For most pets, every 2-4 weeks keeps things healthy. Watch for clicking sounds on hard floors—that's a sign it's time for a trim!
Signs Your Dog's Nails Are Too Long
- You hear clicking when they walk across tile or wood floors.
- Nails visibly curve past the pad when viewed from the side.
- Your dog resists paw handling more than usual.
- Limping or licking at paws becomes frequent behavior.
The Takeaway: Keep Nails Short for Healthier Dogs
Trimming your dog's nails isn't just about looks—it's about preventing pain, injury, infection, and joint problems down the road. Regular trims help your dog stay active, comfortable, and happy at every age. If you're unsure how short is safe (or if you see signs of injury), ask your veterinarian for advice or a demonstration during your next visit.
