Why Overgrown Dog Nails Cause Pain (And How to Prevent It)

Dog Nail Care 101: What Happens If You Don’t Trim Them

In a daily basis we as a veterinarians receive joint pain cases and we always will look at causes and even go deeply to find out why exactly they happen, thankfully in my case as I also do grooming I can easily related the problems with one cause which is Long Nails, I use the elimination technique in every joint case.

As you maybe realice by now, Long Nails can cause joint paint or start them if they are puppies: age, health, and activity of the dog are also anecdotal factors influencing nail maintenance. (sciencedirect).

Nail Lengh Can:

Adversely alter posture, joint angulation, range of motion and biomechanics of dogs. Have you ever heard of dog dew claws? is the first digit, generally found on canine forelimbs. However some dogs have dew claws in all four of their limbs or they may have none.

Canine nails have several layers, the rigid outer layer of keratin covers and protect the internal tissue, blood vessel, and nerves surrounding the nail bed's bone. Although the keratin layer is hard, it is designed to reduce in length through abrasion. If the dog does not naturally wear down this layer and size is not otherwise maintained, it can grow long enough to touch the ground leading to dysfunctional movement patterns. (Canine Body Balance)

Teddy's Story:

She came in with nails so long they curled under her paws. Every step was painful, and she could barely walk without limping.

Because Teddy was in so much pain, trimming her nails was really tough. She pulled her feet away, tried to bite, and you could tell she was scared. It wasn’t her fault—she just didn’t understand why we had to touch her sore paws. But once we carefully trimmed her nails, you could see the relief in her walk. She stood taller, moved easier, and was able to do a normal life again.

Teddy’s story is a reminder for every pet parent: check your dog’s nails regularly. If you hear them clicking on the floor, they’re already too long. Trim small amounts often, or ask a groomer or vet for help. This prevents pain, keeps their joints healthy, and makes nail trims quick and stress-free.

A little routine care can save your dog from so much suffering. We show you how you can do it here in Vet-Approved Guide to Trimming Dog Nails Without Stress

How to prevent it?

Two method can be used for checking dog nail length, firstly the visual test, when the dogs stand look if their nails are touching the ground. The second test is the audible test, have your dog walk in hard surfaces - if you can heard tapping sound, then the length have to be reduces.

Nails should be neither too long (because the above reasons) or too short because it causes pain, can bleed and cause discomfort when they are walking, after the trim we recommend to grind them.

Products I Recommend for Nail Care (Amazon links):
🔗 Dog Nail Clippers – [https://amzn.to/4p6aldI]
🔗 Nail Grinder – [https://amzn.to/3JZWVQ0]
🔗 Styptic Powder – [https://amzn.to/3UVVk03]
🔗 Paw Balm – [https://amzn.to/47QHmEf]
🔗 Lick Mat for Distraction – [https://amzn.to/45TgJMl]