Overgrown nails are uncomfortable and painful. When the nail contacts hard ground, it is pushed up into the nail bed which can cause toes to twist and puts pressure on the toe joints. This can lead to arthritis and problems with posture and movement.

Your dog’s nails should not touch the ground when they are standing on a hard surface.

Some dogs will naturally wear down their nails when exercising, but they do still need regular checking and maintenance.

Why can nail trims be so stressful?

• Invasion of space

• Uncomfortable and perhaps painful

• Past event learning

• Feet are sensitive (increased density of touch receptors)

• Increased sensitivity to paw handling and procedures (in comparison to other areas of the body)

• Ticklish! (varies between individuals)

• Ability to flee is compromised if animal is restrained

• The sounds can be concerning (clippers and Dremels)

If your dog is worried/fearful of getting their nails trimmed, here’s why ‘just getting it done’ doesn’t pay off in the long term:

• Animals that panic can harm themselves and others

• It can cause long term damage

• Stress can cause serious conditions

• Negative experiences can have lasting effects

• Human – animal bond is affected

When it comes to clipping your dog’s nails, you can use a food distraction if the food continues to be a ‘happy’ distraction.

If your dog won’t eat or take the food you provide on a lick mat, it isn’t functioning as a reinforcer so it’s time to change your approach. Get in touch with us so we can help put in place a desensitisation and counter conditioning training plan.

There are alternatives to nail clippers – dremels, files and scratch boards may be easier for your dog to get accustomed to.

Sometimes, if your dog is particularly fearful, you may need to work in conjunction with your vet to use sedation.

Make checking your dog’s nails a regular part of your dog’s care routine.