How Often Should You Trim a Dog's Nails?

Considerations

• There is no one correct nail-trimming schedule for every dog. Many considerations affect how often you need to trim a dog's nails. Older and more sedentary dogs don't get as much exercise, so their nails are not naturally worn down by walking. Smaller breeds tend to have faster-growing nails than large dogs, in part because they don't put as much weight on them. Many people find that by using a Dremel or other mechanical nail-trimmer, they don't have to attend to nails as often because, when done regularly, this method keeps the quick shorter, slowing nail growth.

Time Frame

• A small, older dog may need her nails trimmed every two weeks, while a larger, more active dog may only need a little nail clipping once every few months. Pay close attention to your dog's nails and feet. If in doubt, it is better to trim a little at a time rather than wait until the nails are much too long. Frequent quick trimming is less stressful for most dogs and keeps the quick short.

Features

• It is easier to trim light-colored nails than dark ones. In light nails, it's easy to see the quick and avoid hurting your dog by cutting into it. Following the directions in the references below will help you avoid cutting the quick.

Dangers of Overgrown Nails

• If nails are allowed to grow too long, they can harm your floors and your visitors as well as your dog. Hardwood floors and some tiled floors can be scratched or damaged quite easily by your dog's nails, especially if she is a big dog. If your dog has the habit of jumping up on people, she can easily scratch them.

  Overly long nails are also uncomfortable for your dog and, in extreme cases, will affect her gait, leading to muscle soreness and pain, malformed feet and torn or broken toenails.

Prevention/Solution

• If you have a puppy, get her comfortable with having her feet handled and nails trimmed right away, using lots of praise and treats. You can often use regular nail clippers on young puppies and toy dogs.

  Some dogs will resist having their nails trimmed, no matter what you do; it's simply easier to pay someone else to do it and let them be the "bad guy." If you take your dog to the groomer regularly, make sure she does nails each time. Most groomers and vets will charge a nominal fee for doing only nails. Make a regular monthly appointment (this can be more or less frequent, depending on your dog) and keep it.

Expert Insight

• The structure of your dog's feet will also determine how often nails should be trimmed. Some dogs, such as Dobermans and Northern breeds, have higher knuckles on their paws, so the nails can be fairly long yet still not touch the ground. Other dogs, often giant breeds, have flatter paws so moderately long nails will hit the ground with every step. Whatever type foot your dog has, it is better to keep the nails as short as possible.