You should check your pet's mails regularly and clip them when they get too long. Whilst many outdoor pets will wear their nails down naturally, elderly and indoor pets will probably need some extra help. The need for nail clipping depends on breed, age, level of exercise and the environment in which your pet is kept.
Regular nail inspection, with clipping or trimming when required, should be part of the routine care of your pet. Whilst many outdoor pets will wear their nails down naturally, elderly and indoor pets will probably need some extra help. The requirement for nail trimming can vary depending on breed, age, level of exercise and the environment in which your pet is kept. Working and herding breeds of dogs are active and generally have compact feet with well arched toes that angle the toenails downwards towards the ground. If these dogs are active on hard surfaces such as gravel, rock and concrete, their nails may not need trimming until they slow down with age and exercise less, however you will still need to attend to their dew claws (the little claws on the inside of their front legs that don’t touch the ground) regularly.
If your pet's nails grow too long, they can split, break or bleed, causing soreness or infection in their feet and toes. Long nails can get caught and tear, or if they grow very long can make walking very painful for dogs. Cats are able to retract their claws, so this is less common for them, however they do still need their nails regularly clipped.
By inspecting your dog's nails regularly you can work out how often they need a trim. Some dogs may benefit from having the tips of their nails taken off once every week or two, however most dogs won't need a clip as often. Certainly if you notice a change in the sound of your dog's nails on hard floors this is a pretty good indication that it is time for a clip.
Cats also require nail clipping, with the frequency depending on their lifestyle. Indoor-only cats will need more regular nail clips whereas outdoor cats may naturally wear their nails down and require less frequent clipping.
It is very important not to cut the quick of a nail as this is rich in nerve endings and very painful for the pet. If you do accidentally cut into the quick, pressing the nail into a bar of soap will effectively stop the bleeding. For puppies and kittens, pets with long quicks, or those with black nails which hide the quick, using a nail file can be a safer way to remove the sharp tips.
We have a variety of nail clippers that suit different pets - from the very small to the very tall. If you are not confident clipping your pet's nails call and make an appointment. We can also teach you how to do it if you would prefer to cut them yourself.
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