Pedicure for pets. When should nails be cut?

Healthy pet claws are easy to recognize - they are smooth and hard, do not break or crumble. Often, if a cat or dog is active enough, the claws do not require special care at all and wear down naturally.

To help your cat's nails grow naturally, buy special scratching posts. On the other hand, dogs should be allowed to run through meadows and forests as often as possible, where they will dig their claws not only by running, but also by digging holes. However, even if an animal's claws seem to shed very well on their own, it is necessary from time to time to make sure that the claws and paws are not injured, have not begun to crumble or break, have not harbored fungus in them, or have suddenly grown too long.

When should you cut your nails?

If you have an indoor cat that is not allowed outside and only uses its claws to lazily run its paws along the scratching post from time to time, you may need nail clippers.

However, there are still conflicting opinions among cat owners and experts about whether cats should have their nails trimmed at all.

Although cats themselves have an instinct to file their claws by scratching, sometimes a cat refuses to sharpen its claws in the designated area and prefers to use upholstered furniture for this procedure. Regularly trimming the tips of the claws will not completely solve the problem, but it will at least slightly reduce the damage done to your cat.

Trimming your nails will also protect them from painful breakage, cracking, and sharp nail fragments piercing the pad of your finger.

In older cats that lead a sedentary lifestyle, the claws are no longer worn down enough, and can also begin to become deformed and even grow into the paw pads.

To ensure that an elderly cat does not have to deal with inspection and care of claws for the first time at an advanced age, it is preferable to accustom young kittens to inspection and care of claws.

The quickest way to detect that a dog needs to trim its nails is if, when walking on asphalt or other hard ground, the owner hears a “click-clack” sound as the nails hit the ground. The dog's nails should not touch the ground. To make sure that it is not time to clean the claws, you can look at the dog’s paw from the side - if the tips of the claws are already bent down, then you should think about trimming them.

Just like in humans, trimming a nail too short causes a lot of discomfort and pain in pets.

If it ever happens that a nail is cut too short, the animal will most likely try to avoid nail care for a long time because it will associate it with more discomfort.

How much to cut?

Just like in humans, trimming a nail too short causes a lot of discomfort and pain in pets. If it ever happens that a nail is cut too short, the animal will most likely try to avoid nail care for a long time because it will associate it with more discomfort.

For initial nail care, it is best to take your pet to a veterinarian, who will show you how short the nail should be cut.

If you do decide to cut your nails yourself, Be sure to use nail clippers specifically designed for pets - those intended for people can injure the animal.

Most often, cats only need to bite the very tip of the claw. Remember that they spend most of their time climbing and playing, but outdoor cats need their claws to hunt, defend themselves, and climb trees.

Dogs should also not have their nails cut too short. It is easiest to cut white nails, because the living nail is visible through them - the cut point should be at least a couple of millimeters above it. It is more difficult to cut black nails where the nail is not visible. It is best to cut them off a little at a time, respecting the place of the cut - when the white dot is visible, the nail cannot be cut further!

If your dog's nails are overgrown, be especially careful with trimming. As the toenail grows, the ingrown toenail extends along with it, and it is very likely that the overgrown toenail will be much further back than a regularly trimmed toenail. Such nails should be cut little by little, but regularly - over time, the nail will retreat to its intended place.

How to get used to nail care?

For pets, especially cats, nail care is not a popular activity. It is best not to attack your pet with scratching posts at first, but to teach him to see his paws and touch his claws. If your dog or cat behaves well, be sure to give it a treat so that nail care is associated with positive emotions.

Nail problems

If your dog or cat's nails fall out before you can trim them, or if they crack or crumble when you trim the nails, the nails are likely unhealthy. Although they can break even when your pet is actively digging and scratching, brittle nails can be a sign that there is a problem in the animal's body or in the paw itself.

There are often cases when an animal, during active movement or play, breaks claws that are not regularly cut, sometimes to the point of a living claw. For this type of nail, carefully try to pinch all the sharp points and make sure that the paw is soaked in the blue grain solution. Never allow your animal to lick such a paw, because the blue specks can cause a burn to the mouth. Licking an injured nail can also contribute to the development of infection, so it is safest to buy a collar for your pet that will prevent unnecessary touching of the paw.

Brittle nails can be caused by a fungal infection that has settled at the root of the nail. In this case, you can also often observe that the animal often licks and chews its paws.

If you suspect an infection, take your pet to a veterinarian, who can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatment.

Fungal infections detected at an early stage are fairly easy to treat.

The most common cause of brittle or unhealthy nails is poor nutrition. Perhaps it does not contain enough minerals and vitamins, or your pet may be allergic to one of the substances in the food. If the animal’s body is not provided with all the necessary nutrients, not only the claws will be unhealthy, but also the coat – dull and greasy. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian for advice about your pet's daily diet and possible supplements.