Claw Length on Dogs

Just as nails grow over time on humans, so too do they grow on dogs. How fast they grow depends on a variety of factors such as breed, age and the dog's environment and level of activity. Dogs naturally wear down their nails as they move and play. Dogs that are more active and spend a lot of time on hard surfaces like concrete wear down their nails a lot more than inactive or older dogs and will not need such regular trimming.

  1. When to Cut

    • A dog's nails should not be allowed to get too long. When you see their nails curving, it's a sign they are too long. If you hear a clacking sound as they walk over a hard surface this is another sign. As a general rule a dog's nails should not be of equal length with their pads. Regular inspection of their nails as part of the regular grooming process should help keep their nails from becoming overgrown. Once or twice a month is usually a good average.

    The Quick

    • Like humans, dogs have blood vessels and nerves in their nails and disturbing these while cutting can be very painful and cause bleeding. The area of the dog's nails with nerves and blood vessels is called the "quick." You can tell where the quick extends to by sight as it is a darker area where you can see blood through the translucent nails. With dogs with darker nails it may be more difficult to see and many owners prefer to file their nails to be certain of not hurting the dog. A general rule is to cut 2mm below the quick.

    How to Cut

    • Cutting can easily be done at home. It is a relatively straightforward process. Specialized cutting implements are the best to use, especially those that have a guillotine type action. Carefully read the instructions, firmly hold the dogs paw and make a quick decisive cut. Don't forget the dog's dew claw either -- it is the claw that is higher up the leg. If the dog's claws are excessively long, scissors may be best to use. After cutting use a file to smooth off the edges or let the dog's activity round off the edges by themselves.

    Start Young

    • Dogs naturally do not like having their claws cut so it is best to get them into the habit of regular cutting when they are young. Firm restraint will be necessary, particularly on a puppy as they will try to resist. Using two people can be a good idea or holding them in place while they are lying down on their side is a good method. Try to get a habit of handling your puppy's feet regularly as this will make nail trimming easier in the future.