Trim and Tidy: The Importance of Regular Nail Care for Your Pet
Trimming your pet’s nails isn’t the most pleasant task in the world. For one thing, many pets would rather a pair of nail clippers stay far away from their paws. But pet nail care is an important part of your cat or dog’s overall health.
This month, the team at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital will share why preventing overgrown nails is so important. We’ll also offer a few tips to make the process more bearable for you and your pets.
Why is Pet Nail Care Important?
When a pet’s nails get too long, it’s harder for them to walk or run around. Overgrown nails can affect the way your pet walks, leading to an increased risk of joint pain and arthritis later in life. Nails can also break or split when they’re too long. This can cause your puppy or kitty pain—and lead to nasty infections.
Keeping up with pet nail care is also important for humans. Cats and dogs with long nails can scratch you during your otherwise-cozy cuddle time. It can also impact your play. When dogs jump up to play with you or your kitty bats at the toy you’re holding, their nails could leave a painful scratch on your arms.
And of course, having shorter nails means your pets are less likely to tear up your furniture as they make themselves at home.
Tips for Nail Clipping for Pets
#1. Invest in the Right Tools
Bring home a high-quality pair of pet nail clippers or a nail grinder. Make sure the tool you choose is the right size for your pet and is sharp enough to make a clean cut. A dull set of clippers can crush the nail instead of clip it, which can hurt your pet. Nail clipping shouldn’t hurt!
#2. Watch Out for the Quick
Cutting the quick—aka, the blood vessels and nerves in your dog or cat’s nails—can be painful and cause your pet to bleed. If your pet has light nails, you should be able to see the quick when you look at the nail. It’s a pink-looking area inside the nail. For dogs and cats with dark nails, cut just a tiny bit at a time. Once you see a chalky-looking ring, stop cutting—it’s a sign the quick is near.
#3. Offer Lots of Treats and Praise
When you trim your pet’s nails, it’s important to avoid forming a negative association for your dog or cat. Instead of rushing it, take it slow. Offer plenty of treats, praise, and cuddles. Turn your nail-clipping session into something your pet looks forward to—or at least isn’t afraid of!
Trim Away the Stress
If your dog or cat simply hates getting their nails trimmed and won’t let you anywhere near them if you’re holding clippers, reach out to us at 916-758-9442. Our skilled veterinary team can do the job for you so you don’t have to worry about it. Call us today or request an appointment online to start your pet’s journey toward nail health.