Does nail clipping hurt dogs?

When it comes to the health of our beloved pets, no topic should be taken lightly. Dogs are a part of the family and as such, it’s our responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being through proper grooming and care. One of the most common grooming practices is nail trimming, which can be a delicate matter for both pet owners and their furry friends. When done correctly, nail clipping is a relatively pain-free process for dogs, but it’s understandable for pet owners to be concerned about the potential for discomfort to their canine companions. In this blog post, we will be exploring the topic of “Does nail clipping hurt dogs?” and what pet owners can do to make the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

The History of Dogs’ Nails Causing Pain

Since the first veterinary colleges and practices were established, we’ve learned more about dogs’ nail pain. This takes us back to 9000 BC, in nations like Egypt and Iran, where sheepherders treated and healed their injured animals, including dogs and sheep, using their early veterinary skills.

Even though we are unsure of how nail pain specifically affected our cherished canines during this time, we know that if it wasn’t treated, the dogs wouldn’t be useful for working.

It wasn’t until the late 18th century that veterinary medicine and practices began to take off. The first veterinary school was established by Claude Bourgelat in France in 1791, marking the start of the field of veterinary medicine. Veterinary schools continue to expand from France in nations like Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. London, England, which opened the London Veterinary College in 1791, came next.

In terms of veterinary advancement, North America wasn’t far behind, establishing the Veterinary College of Philadelphia in 1852. From there, veterinary medicine spread all over North America. The oldest veterinary school in America that is still in operation is currently the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

It is evident that the veterinary movement represented a global concern for the welfare of animals, particularly dogs. Our understanding of dogs experiencing different types of pain, and more specifically nail pain, developed after the establishment of veterinary practices.

Why File, Not Clip, a Dog’s Nails

The dog is comfortable and relaxed during filing.Filing is gentler, less anxiety producing for many dogs. With a clipper, the dog’s nail is squeezed. Many dogs do not like this sensation. So, you really have to stabilize the dog’s body as well as the paw being worked on. It’s intimidating and stressful for most dogs.

Filing reduces the chances of hitting a nerve.Within the nail bed is the “quick of the nail,” innervated, vascularized core of the nail bed. The quick provides nourishment to the nail which allows it to grow and aids sensation. Most pet owners accidentally clip the quick, causing bleeding and varying levels of pain depending on how deep and far up the quick the cut is made. If your dog has black or dark nails, rather than translucent, you won’t be able to see the quick. Filing dog nails provides more control and less chance of damaging the quick. Regular nail trims also prevent a painful condition where the nerve and blood supply extends into overgrown nails. Filed nails can also be trimmed shorter than can be done with clipping, which means less frequent trips to the groomer for nail service.

Smooth, rounded nails means less damage around your home.Clipping a dog’s nails, even when professionally done, can leave the end of the nail jagged. Nail filling allows the nail to be rounded and smooth on the end. A smooth nail is less likely to cause damage to hardwood floors, carpeting, or furniture than the blunt or jagged ends of clipped nails.

Fewer scratches on the dog and the humans.Along with less scratches around the house, you can expect less scratches on the humans who live in the house. Additionally, the smoothe, filed nail will be less likely to irritate your dog’s skin when they scratch themselves. This is especially important for dogs that have allergies or dry skin as they will scratch at themselves more often. Frequent scratching that tears at the skin can result in infections of the skin.

Clipping the nails

When using dog nail grinders or nail trimmers, use extra caution to avoid accidentally injuring your pet. Use clippers or scissors with sharp, stainless steel blades.

Put your dog in a comfortable position. The dog can either be held or allowed to sit on your lap. If you can’t cut his nails while holding him by yourself, ask for assistance.

Identify the ideal cutting range for the nails. Cut the nail gradually with metal clippers until you reach the safety stop point. Rewarding your dog at each stage of the procedure is the best way to make him enjoy it. The dog will be more patient while watching you complete each task.

Stop clipping the nail when you reach the black area on it. Avoid clipping the nail until you reach the quick, the innervated, vascularized, and very soft part of the nail. Accidentally cutting the quick will hurt your dog and make the dog’s foot bleed. Keep in mind that your dog won’t likely remain still the next time he sees clippers.

FAQ

Is nail clipping painful for dogs?

The living pink quick and the hard outer substance known as the shell make up a dog’s nail. The quick flows through the nail’s center and supplies the nail with blood. Nerves in the quick cause bleeding and discomfort when cut.

How painful is cutting a dog’s quick?

Because the nail bed, which contains the nerves and blood vessels, is referred to as the “quick,” cutting a nail too short is referred to as “quicking.” Therefore, quicking a dog damages the nerves and blood vessels, which causes significant pain and bleeding.

Does it hurt dogs when their nails are cut too short?

If you accidentally cut your dog’s nails too short, they may yip in pain and begin bleeding. You should only trim the tip. You don’t want your dog to be in pain even though this is typically not a life-threatening condition. Additionally, if you don’t immediately stop the bleeding, blood may end up on your furniture, clothes, and carpet.

Why are dogs scared of getting nails clipped?

Adult dogs might be afraid of the clippers and the sound they make, especially if they’ve had a bad experience in the past (having their nails “quicked” or cut too short). Desensitizing older dogs to nail trimming takes patience. The process cannot be rushed.