Just like human nails, a dog's claws are always growing. The rate of their growth can vary based on the breed and how active the dog is.

Many dogs tend to file down their nails when they walk or run, particularly on hard surfaces. However, companion dogs typically walk on smoother surfaces like floors and mattresses, meaning their nails are less likely to wear down naturally.

Hence, ensuring your dog's claws are trimmed to the right length is vital to avoid splitting and major injuries. Overgrown nails can lead to pressure and discomfort on the toes and paws, potentially resulting in serious orthopedic issues.

To determine if your dog's nails are too long, listen for a clicking sound on tile floors or check if your pet seems uncomfortable. Overgrown nails can lead to a variety of issues, such as an irregular or painful gait, nail fractures, and extended quicks, which can result in severe pain and bleeding. Additionally, the toe joints and paw pads might get injured, potentially causing serious skeletal problems in the future.

A dog's nail consists of an outer and inner shell, along with the nail bed and a soft cuticle. These live tissues are rich in blood vessels and nerves, and this area is known as the quick.

You can effortlessly trim your dog's nails at home. However, it's important to learn how to spot the quick in the nail first.

• Light-colored nails: For light-colored nails, spotting the quick is fairly straightforward. The quick appears as a pink area in the middle of the white, resembling a nail within a nail.
• Dark-colored nails: Trimming dark or black nails can be tricky due to the difficulty in spotting the quick. For this reason, it's best to have a veterinarian or a professional groomer handle the trimming for you.

If you don't regularly trim your pet's claws, the quick can grow along with the nail. In some cases, when the claws get especially long, the quick may extend all the way to the tip. When this happens, trimming your dog's claws becomes impossible.

Avoid attempting to cut this lengthy nail in one go. Instead, take a trip to the vet or a professional groomer for guidance on how to gradually trim the nails and reduce the quick. Follow their instructions carefully.

You can maintain your dog's nails short by either trimming them gradually or taking regular walks on hard, rough surfaces. Each time you trim, aim to cut a small amount more each week. This will cause the quick to recede and move further up the nail bed. With each week, the quick will permit you to trim a bit more nail, eventually making it shorter. Avoid cutting long nails all at once, as this can cause pain for your furry friend.

Why is it important to trim your dog's nails? Typically, a dog's nails will wear down naturally from walking on hard surfaces. However, this isn't always the case. It's crucial to regularly check their nails to ensure they're not too long. There are three primary ways to trim a dog's nails.

• Clippers/trimmers
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For nail clipping, it's essential to use tools specifically created for trimming a dog’s claws. There are two kinds of clippers you can find in stores.

• Scissor clippers: Scissor clippers are the ideal choice for larger dogs with thicker nails. They come in various sizes, making them suitable for medium-sized breeds as well. These clippers feature handles that are easy for owners to grip comfortably.
• Guillotine: Guillotine nail clippers are the simplest to use for small or toy breeds due to their thinner nails. These clippers are ideal for seasoned groomers.

Dremel is a great alternative for dogs that aren't fans of traditional nail trimming. Instead of clipping the claws, this tool gently sands down the nails using a vibrating piece of sandpaper at the top.

The noise from the Dremel may initially bother some dogs. When using it for the first time, try turning the Dremel on and off a few times, then let your dog sniff it. This will help your dog get used to the grinder, making the grooming process smoother.

Natural abrasion is a technique that lets the quick retract on its own. To use this method, you need to have your pet walk on hard or concrete surfaces. The ground pressure encourages the quick to move back into the nail.

Dogs typically have claws on each of their toes, but some also possess an extra nail known as a dewclaw, located on the inner side of their leg. While certain dogs only have dewclaws on their front legs, others might have them on their rear legs, or even on all four legs. Since these claws don't make contact with the ground, they require regular trimming. For some dogs, these dewclaws are attached to loose skin, making clipping potentially hazardous.

If you accidentally trim a nail too closely and it begins to bleed, stay calm. Take a deep breath, then choose one of these approaches to address the situation.

• You should press down on the nail with whatever you have on hand. If you have a cloth, a piece of clothing, or even better, gauze, use that. Place the gauze on the bleeding nail and apply firm pressure, holding it in place. This should stop the bleeding within a few minutes.
• The second option is flour or cornstarch, and I personally lean towards using cornstarch. Pour some cornstarch into a small bowl. Then, place your dog’s paw directly into the bowl. You can also apply cornstarch with your fingertip directly onto the bleeding area. To speed up the process, gently press the powder onto the bleeding nail.
• Styptic powder, styptic pencil, and styptic pads act like anticoagulants and are meant to be applied directly to the bleeding area. When you use this styptic powder on a dog's bleeding nail, the blood usually stops within a few minutes. This technique is particularly popular among pet groomers and veterinarians.