What happens if you never trim a dog's nails?

In the warm and cozy life of raising a dog, there are many aspects of care that we need to pay attention to. One of the extremely crucial but often overlooked aspects is trimming a dog's nails regularly. You might wonder, what's the harm in skipping a few nail trimmings? In fact, ignoring this seemingly simple task can have serious consequences and have a profound impact on a dog's health.

A dog's nails are not just an external part; they play a vital role in a dog's daily life. If the nails are allowed to grow without being trimmed, they will curl and bend towards the paw pads. Just imagine, every step is like stepping on a sharp object, with a stinging pain shooting straight through the sole of the foot. This is by no means an exaggeration. For dogs with overly long nails, every step can be accompanied by pain. Their walking posture will change as a result. The originally relaxed and confident gait will become cautious, and they may even limp.

As time goes by, the long-term change in the walking pattern due to overly long nails will impose an additional burden on a dog's joints. A dog's limb joints need to bear the weight of its body. Under normal circumstances, they can operate in a coordinated manner. However, overly long nails will disrupt the body's balance and mechanical structure. In order to relieve the discomfort caused by the nails while walking, the dog has to adjust its posture, which makes the pressure on the joints unevenly distributed. Over time, joint wear and tear will increase, and the risk of developing joint diseases such as arthritis will increase significantly. For those active dog breeds, the impact is even more noticeable. They are naturally fond of running and jumping. Overly long nails not only limit their activities but also turn these originally enjoyable behaviors into painful torments.

Overly long nails can also cause direct damage to a dog's paws themselves. The nails are closely connected to the tissues of the paws. When the nails grow excessively, they will squeeze the surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues. This may trigger inflammation, making the paws red, swollen, and painful. The dog may frequently lick its paws in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. If the inflammation progresses further, it may lead to an infection, forming an abscess. In severe cases, professional treatment by a veterinarian, such as incision and drainage, may be required. And the treatment process not only causes physical pain to the dog but also brings an economic burden to the owner.

In addition to physical pain, overly long nails can also affect a dog's daily behavior and emotions. The dog may become restless and irritable because the constant discomfort makes it difficult for them to find a comfortable resting position. Their enthusiasm for playing will also be greatly reduced, and they may lose interest in their once-favorite toys and games. Some dogs may even resist the owner's touch due to the pain, which will undoubtedly affect the close relationship between humans and pets. The originally warm and harmonious interaction may become tense because the dog resists being touched on its paws.

In a home environment, a dog with overly long nails may also cause damage to furniture, floors, etc. Their inadvertent scratching will leave scratches on sofas, chairs, and wooden floors, affecting the aesthetics of the home. Moreover, overly long nails can easily get caught in the gaps of the floor or the fibers of the carpet while walking, causing the dog to suddenly lose its balance and may even lead to accidents such as sprains or falls.

Regularly trimming a dog's nails is an important part of ensuring their health and happiness. Generally speaking, small dogs need their nails trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks, medium-sized dogs every 3 to 4 weeks, and large dogs every 4 to 6 weeks. Of course, the specific trimming frequency also needs to be adjusted according to factors such as the dog's activity level and the growth rate of its nails. During the trimming process, be extremely careful to avoid cutting the quick, otherwise, it will cause bleeding and pain. If you are really unsure how to operate, you might as well consult a veterinarian or a professional pet groomer.

As dog owners, we bear the responsibility of taking care of them. Every detail, including nail care, is related to a dog's quality of life. Let's start with regularly trimming their nails, give dogs the care they deserve, and let them accompany us healthily and happily through every wonderful day. Under our care, they can enjoy a carefree life to the fullest.