DO WE NEED TO CUT DOGS NAILS, WHEN AND WHY
Although many people do not do it and are not aware of it, cutting the nails of the dogs is something important since it brings greater comfort to the animal as it carries out its daily activities. If you still do not know the importance of this hygiene habit, we invite you to continue reading this article, where we give you the most important reasons why you should do it.
Why do dogs' nails need to be trimmed?
When dogs spend a lot of time outside, running on various hard surfaces like asphalt, their nails gradually wear out, and there is less need to trim them. However, in today’s, and especially in these times of confinement, dogs move on softer surfaces such as the lawn of the garden, the interior of the home, or, if living in the field, the earth.
As you can see, it is not only an aesthetic issue but also a functional one: poor weight distribution can be an issue, and unnatural joint alignment can make your dog more prone to injury or make running and walking more difficult for him. As a result, nail hygiene is critical for dogs of all ages (especially senior dogs), because that simple gesture can help them dramatically improve their posture.
Long nails can curl and grow toward the paw pad in severe cases. They can also break or split, which is extremely painful and, depending on the severity, will require treatment by a veterinarian.
A nail care routine is essential.
Do you care about the health of your dog? Then you must stop making excuses. It is possible that the thought of cutting your dog’s nails is very heavy on your mind, and you avoid it at all costs: your dog does not enjoy it, neither do you, and it becomes difficult for both of you; however, if you make nail maintenance a habit and you use rewards for your dog every time you get to do the sanitation, it is very likely that he will end up getting used to it, and it will become easier and easier.
If you’re still having trouble cutting your dog’s nails and believe it’s impossible to do it yourself, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.
Basics of your dog’s nails
We know what you have been thinking since you started reading this article: what is the correct measurement of a dog’s nail? Although it is true that in some breeds (such as the Doberman Pinscher), the nails are so short that they can hardly be seen, as a general rule, you should bear in mind that when a dog is standing, its nails should not have contact with the ground. That is, they should not be standing on them. If you can hear your dog coming, his nails are too long. Therefore, it will be sufficient for them to remain above the ground. Cutting them too much can also hurt your dog, so be very careful.
Keratin, a highly resistant protein, is used to make mammalian nails. Even if we use the latter term colloquially, we should be talking about “claws” rather than “nails” technically.
Their nails are different from ours in that they have two layers. The first (unguis) is a hard outer covering with keratin fibers that run perpendicular to the growth direction of the nail. The second (subungi) is softer and flakier, with a grain that runs parallel to the direction of growth. When the dog’s claw is not trimmed, the curl is caused by excessive growth of the first coat.
Aside from the four nails on each of the dogs’ fingers, there is a fifth: the famous spur. It is located inside the leg, and many people disagree about whether or not it should be surgically removed because some believe the spurs are vestigial, meaning they serve no purpose and may tear or break if not removed. On the other hand, supporters of the spurs argue that they serve a purpose because they help the dog better grip objects such as bones or food and provide important traction when the dog runs and needs to change its direction of blow.
Regardless of the debate that has arisen in many places as a result of the spurs, one thing must be clear: that nail must be cared for and trimmed just like the others, if not more. Because the spurs are rarely in contact with the ground, they do not wear out and are sharper than other nails. Trim the tip so that it is flat and will not cause any harm. Still, it’s one of the fastest ways out there.
Dog nail-cutting tools like scissors or pliers are probably the easiest to use, but your blade should be sharpened on a regular basis.
Finally, polishers are a new addition to canine manicures. It is a tool that turns like a grinder and gently trims the end of the dog’s nail with a round piece capable of sanding surfaces with friction. It is yet another simple method for trimming your pet’s nails.
Rottweiler Nails should be strong ,dark and short
NAILS, DO WE NEED TO CUT DOGS NAILS, WHEN AND WHY...
Trimming a dog’s nails is an essential part of their grooming routine. Here are some tips:
1. **Tools:** Use proper nail clippers designed for dogs. There are various types, including guillotine-style and scissor-style clippers. Choose the one you find most comfortable.
2. **Frequency:** The frequency of nail trimming depends on the dog’s activity level. Generally, every 2-4 weeks is a good starting point. Regular walks on hard surfaces can naturally wear down nails.
3. **Visibility:** Be cautious not to cut into the quick—the sensitive, blood vessel and nerve-rich part of the nail. In light-colored nails, the quick is usually visible as a pinkish area. It’s harder to see in dark-colored nails, so be extra careful.
4. **Technique:** Take small, gradual cuts to avoid cutting too much at once. If you’re unsure, it’s better to trim a little at a time.
5. **Positive Reinforcement:** Reward your dog after each successful session. This helps create a positive association with nail trimming.
6. **Handling Paws:** Get your dog accustomed to having their paws touched from an early age. This makes the process less stressful.
7. **Professional Help:** If you’re uncomfortable trimming your dog’s nails or if your dog is resistant, consider seeking help from a professional groomer or veterinarian.
8. **Styptic Powder:** Have styptic powder on hand in case you accidentally cut into the quick. It helps stop bleeding.
Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key to making nail trimming a positive experience for your dog. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a professional.