Ruminations of a Canine Cosmetologist ~ Personal insights and experiences in the dog biz.

Brought to you by Shampoodles Grooming Studio.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

The importance of nail trimming

Dogs live on their feet.  Or more accurately, their toes.  Healthy paws are key to survival.  And yet, so often and easily, toenail maintenance is overlooked.  Dogs are stoic creatures, and generally pretty agreeable pets, so they are not apt to complain much (at least in a way most humans can understand) about a neglected manicure.  But despite this seemingly unimportant little thing, damage is being done by overgrown nails.  Pressure from extra long nails radiates up the leg into the entire body, having an almost systemic effect.  This can be subtle or apparent, and chronically neglected nails can cause permanent damage.
Dogs walk on their toes, perhaps somewhat comparable to a ballerina; unlike normal humans who mostly walk on the soles of their feet, and use their heels.   If you've ever worn tight shoes and felt your own overgrown toenails being pushed back, you are familiar with a fraction of the discomfort a dog feels.  Of course, being human you're far more likely to complain about it, and certainly more capable of doing something about it.  Obviously our pets rely on us to keep them healthy and properly groomed.
Here is a good video discussing toenail maintenance.  While it is mainly aimed at performance dogs, it is every bit as applicable to house pets.  After all, they walk, run and play just the same as any working dog, as well as get old... no dog should have to live with the pain of overgrown nails.