Hidden Dangers Of Skipping Your Dog's Pedicure Appointment
Posted on: 19 March 2015
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If you have a dog prone to jumping, you probably keep up with regular nail trims. No matter how large or small your canine, sharp claws can hurt! But, even if you have a well behaved pet who keeps four legs on the floor at all times, you'll want to make sure you keep those nails tidy. Overgrown nails can cause your dog pain and lead to serious injury.
Ingrown Nails Aren't Just for Humans
When you look at the anatomy of a dog's claw, you'll notice that it grows curved toward the ground. This means that if the nail is allowed to grow long enough, it will eventually come back around and grow toward your dog's paw. If permitted to continue on that path, there is a high likelihood that it could pierce and enter your dog's paw. The extreme amount of pain associated with this type of injury can make your dog go lame until the problem is corrected by a veterinarian and given time to heal.
Oops… Your Dog Broke a Nail, and it Hurts
The longer the nail, the more prone it is to breakage. Imagine someone ripping off half of your nail. It would be excruciating! That's how it feels if your dog breaks his or her nail bad enough so it bleeds. It hurts, and it can be hard to stop the bleeding. In fact, veterinarians and groomers always have styptic powder on hand just in case, as it stops the bleeding quickly.
A Snag Could be Life Altering
Many canines have dewclaws. They are basically fifth digits that sit higher on the paw. These are especially prone to injury, so keeping them trimmed is extremely important. These non-functional dog toes can easily become snagged and torn when the nail has grown into a hook shape. This extremely painful event could lead to an extreme amount of blood loss, endangering your beloved pet's life.
Of course, clipping your dog's nails is easier said than done. Many dogs don't enjoy the experience, so it can be hard to wrangle your pet in to do the simple procedure yourself. If that is the case for you, consider making an appointment with trained professionals who are used to dogs that put up a fight for nail trims. Your local veterinarian or pet groomer are both professionals that can help you keep your dog's paws groomed. You can even roll the service into your regular appointment!