What happens if a dog's nail is clipped too much?

The fluffy little paws of our pet dogs at home are always full of healing power. Every time we see them running around merrily and playing with their paws flapping, our hearts are filled with warmth. However, trimming a dog's nails is something that troubles many pet owners. If done properly, the dog can live comfortably; but if we accidentally cut the nails too short, it can cause a big problem. Every dog lover should have a clear understanding of the question "What Happens If a Dog's Nail Is Clipped Too Much?"

A dog's nail has a different structure from that of a human. There is an important part in their nails called the "quick," which contains blood vessels and nerves. When we trim a dog's nails, if we accidentally cut the quick, that is, cut the nail too short, first of all, the dog will suffer intense pain. Just imagine having your own nail cut right into the flesh, and the excruciating pain that comes with it. Dogs will feel the same way. Since they can't speak, they can only express their pain through sudden screams, struggles, or pulling their paws back. Looking at the dog's frightened eyes due to this sudden pain, as pet owners, we will surely be filled with self-blame and compassion.

In addition to the pain, cutting the quick will also lead to bleeding. Although the bleeding from a dog's nail won't be life-threatening like massive blood loss, continuous bleeding can still make the dog feel uneasy. The blood dripping on the floor will also make the owner flustered. If the bleeding is not stopped in time, the dog may introduce bacteria into the wound by constantly licking it, leading to an infection. At this time, the owner should quickly press the bleeding area with a clean cotton ball or gauze to stop the bleeding. Some pet-specific styptic powder can be dipped on the cotton ball, which can accelerate the blood clotting speed. During this process, the dog may not cooperate well due to pain and fear. The owner must soothe it gently to let it feel your care instead of getting more impatient because of its resistance.

Once the wound is infected, the situation will become even worse. The area around the infected nail will show symptoms of redness, swelling, and heat. The dog will frequently lick the injured paw, trying to relieve the discomfort. But this will only make the infection worse because the dog's saliva contains bacteria that will contaminate the wound again. If the infection is not controlled in time, it may lead to more serious inflammation, such as paronychia. A dog suffering from paronychia will have an unbearably painful paw, limp while walking, and may even be reluctant to move. It's really heart-breaking to see a dog that used to be lively and active become disabled due to a small mistake in nail clipping.

Cutting the nails too short for a long time will also affect the dog's normal walking and posture. A dog's nails play a certain role in supporting and balancing during walking. When the nails are too short, they will feel uncomfortable while walking. To relieve the pain, the dog may unconsciously change its walking posture. Maintaining this incorrect posture for a long time will put extra pressure on the dog's bones and joints. Over time, it may lead to abnormal bone development or joint diseases. For example, small dogs may have an increased risk of patellar dislocation, and large dogs may face problems such as hip dysplasia. It's like making a person walk in ill-fitting shoes for a long time, and various problems will occur in the body.

Moreover, due to the experience of being cut painfully, the dog may develop a fear and resistance to nail clipping. The next time you try to trim its nails, it will be very resistant and may even attack the person who tries to approach its paws. This not only increases the difficulty of subsequent nail trimming but also affects the trust relationship between the owner and the dog. The originally warm interaction moment becomes tense because of a wrong operation.

To avoid these situations, the owner must make full preparations before trimming the dog's nails. Understand the structure of the dog's nails and buy high-quality, sharp, and safe pet-specific nail clippers. When trimming, the movements should be gentle and slow. Don't cut too much each time, and it's better to do it in small amounts multiple times. If you're not sure about the position of the quick, you can start by trimming little by little from the tip of the nail. Never be hasty. If you're really worried about not doing it well, you can also take the dog to a pet grooming salon or a veterinary hospital and let professionals trim the nails.

Dogs are the warmest companions in our lives, and their health and happiness are our greatest wishes. In the process of taking care of dogs, every small detail cannot be ignored. Trimming a dog's nails may seem like a small thing, but if not handled properly, it can cause a lot of pain to them. I hope every dog owner can master the correct trimming method, keep the dog's little paws healthy at all times, and let them play carefree. If you have encountered any problems or have unique experiences when trimming your dog's nails, you are welcome to share them so that we can learn together and protect the health of our dogs together.