The Importance of Nail Trims for Your Pet

Good pet grooming is more than just making your pet look pretty. By grooming your pet, you are preventing potential health issues. Regular nail trimming protects you and your pet from many problems. It is also a clear sign of your pet’s hygiene and health. If you are a squeamish pet owner, professional pet groomers can perform the task for you.

The Climate Factor

Nail overgrowth in pets depends on the seasons and the climate where they live. For example, a dog that plays outside a lot during summer might experience nail overgrowth during winter. The hard surfaces that wear down their nails in the summer are normally covered in snow during winter.

Why Nail Trims Are Important

Regular nail trims are an integral part of your pet’s health. There are many issues associated with untrimmed pet nails. Although some pets are good at wearing their nails down by running or walking on hard surfaces, others are not. For instance, older house pets are at a higher risk since they walk a lot.

Nails Getting Caught 

Overgrown pet nails risk getting caught in surfaces such as deck boards, carpets, and other materials they walk on. It can be painful, especially if the nail breaks or gets pulled right off. If this happens, the nail’s sensitive part (the quick) gets partially or fully exposed. If anything touches it, it can be quite painful for your furry friend until the nail grows back.

Promotes Pain Relief

Nails that are too long can cause your pet to alter its gait while walking. It is because, unlike short nails, the overgrown nails hinder their feet from normal ground contact. Depending on the angle that the foot changes while walking, this can lead to joint pain and muscle soreness.

Prevents Risk of Infection

Overgrown pet nails can lead to infection. If the nails grow too long, they can curl inwards and grow into the pet’s paw. It can be painful for them. If the nail also creates a hole in your pet’s paw, microorganisms can get in, quickly multiplying and causing an infection. In such a case, you should have your pet’s nails trimmed immediately. Your pet doctor might also administer antibiotics and bandages to keep the wound infection-free.

Preventing the Quick Overgrowth

As mentioned above, the quick (hyponychium, technically) is the sensitive part inside the nail. While the nail does not have any sense of feeling, the quick is very sensitive. It has a large blood vessel and a nerve that communicates with the brain.

Overgrown nails in pets mean an overgrowth of the quick too. It prevents the trimming of nails as you would cut the quick. Regular nail trimming forces the quick to gradually recede away from the edge of the nail until it gets back to its normal position.

Regular nail trims should be part of your routine grooming for your pet. If you notice any of the issues mentioned above, you should consult your pet doctor for assistance.

For more on the importance of nail trims for your pet, call Community Pet Outreach at (972) 848-8930 to reach our office in Lewisville, Texas.