Everything you need to know about your dog’s nails and paws are finally here. Read this article to understand more about it and how to tackle them.
If your dog has nails that are too long, it is important to cut your dog’s nails. Because when the nails are too long, there is pressure on the feet and legs. This can cause the position of the foot to deviate. It is also very painful for your dog if the nails are too long. But how do you cut your dog’s nails?
8 tips for caring for your dog’s nails
1.How do I know if my dog’s nails are too long?
When your dog’s nails touch the ground, you can often see that the nails are too long. You can check this by sliding a A4 under the nails of your dog. If this does not work, the nails are too long.
2.Where can I cut?
When your dog has white nails you can clearly see where life starts. Life is a bit pink, flesh colored and you should absolutely not cut here. You should cut about 2mm in front of it. With black nails you cannot see where life begins. It is then good to cut small pieces off each time. When a dark dot appears in the nail, you know that you are close to life.
3.What if I cut the nail in life?
Don’t worry if you’ve cut in life. It often bleeds, but usually the bleeding also stops itself. If it does not stop bleeding, it is wise to go to the vet.
4.Files
When you have cut your dog’s nails and there are still sharp edges, you can also file the nails.
5.What if I cut the nails too short?
As already said, do not cut the nail shorter than 0.1 inches for life. This way you cannot cut the nail too short.
6.How often should I cut my dog’s nails?
It is best to cut the nails every 8 weeks. This also depends a bit on how much exercise the dog gets. When the dog walks on stone surfaces, the nails will wear much faster than when the dog walks on grass.
7.Don’t forget your dog’s dewclaws
Your dog’s dewclaws are also very important and you shouldn’t forget them. It may be that the nail grows in the skin or gets caught on something.
8.Prefer not to cut yourself?
Would you rather not cut the nails yourself, but have this done by a professional? Then go to a grooming salon or your vet.
6 tips for caring for the your dog’s paw
A dog does not wear shoes like us every day. We can protect our own feet, but unfortunately a dog cannot. Therefore certainly your dog’s paws can be injured. That is why it is important that the paws are well cared for.
1.Watch out in warm weather
Try not to walk your dog when it is too hot outside. The ground is then very warm and this can burn the soles of your dog’s feet. If you still have to walk your dog, it is wise to let your dog walk on the grass instead of on the sidewalk or on the road.
2.Walking in the snow
When going for a walk with your dog in the snow, you should also be careful with the paw pads. It may be that there is sprinkled with salt and this sticks to the pads of your dog. Snow nuggets can also remain on the hairs between your dog’s legs.
3.Keep the feet dry
When your dog has got wet feet, it is wise to dry them well. Our feet dry quickly, but with a dog it often takes a little longer, because a dog has hair between the legs.
4.Watch out with mud
When the mud dries on your dog’s feet, the feet can get irritated. Therefore always try to take this off after exhausting.
5.Trim the coat
As you could read above, dogs often have hairs between the foot pads. It is better to cut these hairs, because the feet dry more easily and it is healthier.
6.Check daily
The paws always have contact with the ground and that is why it is good to check this. It may be that your dog has stepped into something while walking and this hurts your dog very much.