Nail / Claw Trimming
We are proficient at trimming dogs' nails. Nail trimming is performed carefully, using clippers and/or a grinding machine depending upon preference shown by dog.
The grinding machine can be used as an option for anxious dogs who will not remain still to cut the claw. It is also used to smooth off a sharp claw easily.
Dog Nails
Dog nail care is important because it keeps your pet walking, running, and moving around comfortably. When your dog’s nails are too long, they create an unnatural angle for the foot. This causes unequal pressure on the toes and can cause the nail beds to become sore and tender.
Long nails on dogs are more prone to splitting and/or splintering. This is the equivalent of a human hangnail. It is not only extremely painful, but it can even warrant a trip to the veterinary clinic. The veterinarian will use sedation and pain medications to pull the hangnail and then bandage the foot to prevent infection in your dog’s nail bed.
Dogs with long nails will sometimes slip on hardwood or tile floors or walk gingerly to cope with the circumstances. Nail care is especially important in our older canine companions or pets with arthritis.
Trimming
Keeping your dog’s nails at an acceptable length also protects you and your belongings. Have you ever been scratched by your dog after he jumps up on you? Or have you seen the couch or other furniture snag when your dog jumps off? Overgrown nails can also get caught on things causing your dog unnecessary pain.
Dog’s nails should extend enough to be seen, but should not go past the paw. If your dog has long hair, you may not be able to easily see the nails. But if the nails extend over the bottom of the paw pad you’ll know your dog’s nails are too long.
You can also look for the nail quick and use it as a guide for how short to trim your dog’s nails. The nail quick houses nerves and blood supply. Hitting the quick on your dog is painful and will cause him to bleed, so you don’t want to cut into the quick.
This is one reason why regular nail trims are important. When your pet’s nails grow long, the quick of the nail grows with it. In these cases, it’s easier to hit the quick and harder to trim the nails short again.
