When To Trim Nails

[rjordan392]

My dogs nails are about 3/8ths of an inch long. Is it time for him to have a nailcut?

[DaneMama]

It depends on the dog. Some dogs have longer quicks (live part of the nail) than others. If you can see a lot of dead nail past the quick thn it's time for a trim if not don't worry about it.

[Jester's King]

Also, age of the dog can matter. I like to pay more attention to an older dog's nails because 1. they wear them less on their own when mobility decreases, and 2. longer nails will put more pressure on the joints in the foot which can add to arthritic pain.

[MollyWoppy]

I only clip my dogs nails when they start clicking on the tile floor.

[Eurobox]

I try to trim once a week, but one of my dogs is a show dog, so he needs to be groomed often. I do agree with Danemama08, every dogs nails are different. I have one with very long quicks, so his nails constantly look long. I say at least every two weeks unless your dog is on pavement or concrete often.

[Ania's Mommy]

I have heard that the more often you trim nails, the shorter the quick will become. Thereby allowing your dog to have very short nails. Has anyone else heard this? And is there any truth to it?

[DaneMama]

I have heard that the more often you trim nails, the shorter the quick will become. Thereby allowing your dog to have very short nails. Has anyone else heard this? And is there any truth to it?

There is definitely truth to this. I trim Bailey's nails every two weeks...I couldn't imagine not doing it that often or she'd have a really hard time walking.

[rjordan392]

Thanks all,
But I am not so sure I can tell the differance between live and dead nails. I never experienced cutting an animals nails before and may try one of those nail cutters that are in the pet shops that claim they are safe to use.
Opinions please?

[DaneMama]

What color are your dog's nails? It can definitely be more difficult if they are black, but still not impossible. If your dog's nails are clear/white you should be able to see the quick through the top layer...here's a picture:



Just trim just a tiny bit off the end until the middle of the nail starts to look waxy. That is what I do.

[malluver1005]

I only clip my dogs nails when they start clicking on the tile floor.

Ditto.