A dog’s nails can hurt if they are cut too short or left to grow too long, which can be even more painful. For instance, having long nails can make it easier for a dog to slip and fall, resulting in more pain than the nail alone would have caused.
Aesthetic Consequences of Dog Nails Too Long
I mentioned that to me, long nails completely ruin an otherwise beautiful paw in How to Cut Dog Nails Stress-Free and Have Your Dog Actually Enjoy It.
I am aware of several breeders who take time to consider and plan breedings with consideration for paw structure and conformation.
Our criteria for Mastiffs states that their feet should be “large, round, and compact with well-arched toes.” Black nails. ”.
The conformation standard for paws will vary depending on the breed. But regardless of the breed standard, having long nails will ruin a paw that was born with perfect genetics.
Long-nailed mastiffs develop flat-looking paws with splayed toes.
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This is not a genetic fault by breeding. Years of having to support a 200-pound frame on excessively long toenails have caused it.
I will confess. I am obsessed with dog nails.
When I meet a dog in person or see a picture of one, they are the first thing I notice. And when I do see a perfect paw with neatly kept, short nails, they are the first thing I praise.
How To Cut Your Dog’s Nails Correctly?
As previously stated, you ought to only trim your dog’s nails if they are unhealthy. There is no need to trim your dog’s nails if they are in good condition. Make sure to cut the nail straight across, not at an angle, when you trim your dog’s nails. By doing this, you’ll be less likely to accidentally cut the quick, which is the region inside the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels.
If you cut the quick, the nail will bleed. Apply a small amount of styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut the quick. You can always ask a friend or member of your family for assistance if you feel anxious or scared while trimming your dog’s nails. You could also seek assistance from a groomer or veterinarian if you don’t have anyone to assist you.
INJURY:
Dogs can become more prone to injuries and have difficulty walking and running if their natural alignment and weight distribution are compromised (the imbalance I mentioned above).
Let’s go back to my rock in the shoe example.
Think about trying to remove a rock that was stuck in your shoe. For the rest of your life, you had to jog with that rock in your shoe.
You are bending your foot and leg to avoid the pain of stepping on the rock throughout.
If the imbalance’s root cause is not addressed, your gait imbalance will almost certainly result in injury.
For dogs with long nails, this is their reality.
FAQ
How do you cut severely overgrown dog nails?
Trim one tiny portion of the nail at a time with your preferred clippers. Cross the nail’s tip at a slight angle, maintaining its natural shape. Look at the nail’s newly-cut tip after each cut to check for the tiny black dot that indicates when to stop.
Can overgrown nails cause dogs to limp?
Long nails are painful both now and in the future because they bend and catch on nearly everything. In order to prevent pain and limping, it’s crucial to check your dog’s nails and keep them as short as necessary. Regularly trim your dog’s nails, but seek immediate veterinary care if one breaks.