When was the last time you checked your dog’s nails? If you can hear a click-click-click every time they walk across the floor, it’s a sign that their nails are too long—and that small issue could be affecting their entire body.
Overgrown nails aren’t just an aesthetic or grooming concern; they can cause pain, joint stress, poor posture, and even long-term mobility issues. Let’s dive into why proper nail care is essential, the hidden dangers of neglected nails, and how to safely maintain your dog’s paws.
How Overgrown Nails Affect Your Dog’s Health
1. They Throw Off Your Dog’s Natural Posture
Dogs rely on their nail-to-ground contact for proper weight distribution. When nails are too long:
✔ The toes are forced upwards (hyperextended), shifting weight back onto the heels and joints instead of evenly distributing pressure across the paw.
✔ This causes joint strain in the wrists (carpus), elbows, shoulders, knees (stifles), and hips.
✔ Over time, this leads to poor posture, chronic pain, and arthritis.
🔹 Think of it like wearing shoes that are too small—every step is uncomfortable, and your body compensates unnaturally.
2. They Alter Your Dog’s Gait and Increase Injury Risk
When a dog’s nails grow too long, their natural gait (walking pattern) changes. Instead of lifting their paws normally, they adjust their step to avoid nail pressure. This can cause:
• Shorter, stiffer strides, putting extra strain on joints.
• Increased risk of slipping and falling, especially on hardwood or tile floors.
• Greater chance of injuries, including torn nails, sprains, and even broken toes from nails catching on uneven surfaces.
🔹 Senior dogs and those with joint conditions are especially vulnerable.
3. They Cause Chronic Pain and Joint Stress
• Overgrown nails push back into the nail bed, creating constant discomfort—even when standing still.
• This can lead to inflammation, infections, and even arthritis over time.
• Long-term toe hyperextension can cause permanent changes in the way a dog moves, affecting their joints and muscles.
🔹 This is why dogs with long nails may start to slow down, resist walks, or hesitate when jumping up.
4. They Can Lead to Spinal Misalignment
Long nails don’t just affect the paws—they have a chain reaction up the spine.
• Dogs naturally adjust their posture to compensate for nail discomfort.
• This shifts stress to the back and neck muscles, which can lead to spinal misalignment, stiffness, and long-term mobility problems.
• Some dogs may develop a hunched posture or reluctance to move their head due to chronic tension.
🔹 In extreme cases, this can contribute to nerve issues and muscle weakness.
5. They Can Cause Painful Infections & Nail Damage
• Overgrown nails put constant pressure on the nail bed, leading to cracks, splitting, and even infections.
• In severe cases, nails can curl under and grow into the paw pad, causing bleeding, abscesses, and severe pain.
• A dog’s quick (the sensitive inner part of the nail) grows longer if nails are left untrimmed for too long, making it harder to fix the problem without discomfort.
🔹 Regular trims help keep the quick short and prevent painful complications.
Signs That Your Dog’s Nails Are Too Long
Not sure if your dog’s nails are due for a trim? Here are some easy signs to look for:
✅ You can hear them clicking on the floor when they walk.
✅ Their toes look lifted or spread apart.
✅ Their paws turn outward when standing (a sign of discomfort).
✅ They seem hesitant to walk on slippery surfaces or lose their footing easily.
✅ The nails are visibly long, curling, or growing sideways.
🔹 If you notice any of these, it’s time for a trim!
Best Practices for Nail Maintenance
To keep your dog’s paws healthy, follow these simple nail care tips:
✔ Trim nails every 2–4 weeks to prevent overgrowth.
✔ Use scratch boards or natural terrain (gravel, pavement, forest floors) to wear down nails naturally.
✔ Introduce positive reinforcement (treats, praise, and patience) to make nail trims stress-free.
🔹 The goal is to keep nails short enough that they don’t touch the ground when your dog is standing.
How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails Safely
If you trim at home, follow these steps for a safe and pain-free experience:
1. Use the Right Tools
🛠 High-quality nail clippers or a grinder work best.
🛠 If your dog has thick nails, choose strong, sharp clippers.
🛠 Have styptic powder on hand in case you accidentally trim too far.
2. Trim Gradually & Safely
✂ Cut a small amount at a time to avoid hitting the quick.
✂ If your dog has black nails, trim tiny bits and look for a greyish center before the pink quick appears.
✂ Use a grinder for smoothing if your dog is sensitive to clippers.
3. Keep It Positive: Associate the Experience With Treats, Praise, Rewards
✔ Go slow, and reward your dog with treats and praise.
✔ If they’re nervous, trim one or two nails at a time instead of doing all four paws at once.
🔹 If you’re uncomfortable trimming your dog’s nails, ask a groomer or vet for help!
How to Help Your Dog Recover After a Trim
If your dog’s nails were overgrown for a while, they may feel sore or walk differently after trimming.
💡 Here’s how to help them adjust:
✔ Walk them on soft surfaces (grass, carpet) for the first 24 hours.
✔ Give them gentle paw massages to relax their feet.
✔ If the quick was long, trim gradually every 1–2 weeks to help it recede.
Massage & Acupressure to Relieve Nail-Related Tension (or call Soul Paws for a professional massage to target more areas)
Long nails can cause compensatory muscle pain and joint stiffness, but massage and acupressure can help restore balance.
Massage Techniques for Paw & Joint Relief
🐾 Effleurage (light strokes) – Relaxes paw muscles and improves circulation.
🐾 Toe tractioning – Gently flex and extend each toe to restore movement.
🐾 Palm kneading – Loosens tight muscles in the shoulders, wrists, and hind legs that overcompensated for long nails.
Acupressure Points for Pain Relief
✔ BL60 (Behind the ankle joint) – Relieves paw and hind limb tension.
✔ LI4 (Between dewclaw and first toe) – Reduces discomfort in the front paws.
✔ PC6 (Near the wrist) – Helps relax front leg muscles.
Final Thoughts
Overgrown nails are more than just a minor grooming issue—they affect posture, mobility, and overall comfort. Keeping your dog’s nails at a healthy length is one of the simplest ways to prevent pain and long-term joint issues.
✅ Check your dog’s nails regularly.
✅ Trim or file them every 2–4 weeks.
✅ Incorporate massage and acupressure for joint relief.
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