How often do you trim a dog's nails?

Question

I read that nails on dogs should not touch the ground. How often do I need to trim his nails so they are the correct length? Also, is it better/easier to arrange to have them trimmed by a groomer or should I learn to do it myself?

Answer 1

You should trim your dogs nails when ever you hear them clicking on the ground... if you dogs nails get too long they can start getting really uncumfy for your dog. you should schedule appoinments for the dog becuase they have veins in the nails and if you clip it wrong it could bleed. also if you get appoinments you should deff. keep going back whenever needed and try to get the same person you got the last time and eventually the dog wont be as negative about going

Answer 2

I would say about every 3 weeks you should check their nails. I have been a dog owner all my life and have trimmed them myself. Just be careful because if you cut them too short the nail will bleed. Usually I trim them a little bit at a time. If the nail does bleed make sure you have some nail powder which you can by at the pet store....if you don't have any I have used flour for baking and it has worked...it doesn't work as well but in case you run out it's an alternative.

Answer 3

Every 2 weeks to shorten, every 4 weeks to maintain length. I would at least have a vet or groomer show you how to do them a few times before you try to do it yourself, if you cut too short, the nail will bleed, and dogs ALWAYS remember this, and can become very nervous about future nail trims. Just go slow and be very careful.

Answer 4

As mentioned previously, a good indication that it is time to trim your dog’s nails is when you hear them tapping on hard surfaces. However, the more often you trim your dog’s nails, the easier the process will become. Try to trim your dog’s nails weekly, even if walks keep them naturally short. This way, the quick will actually start to regress into the nail, allowing you to cut shorter each time.

Answer 5

About once a month if you walk the dog on concrete, less often if the dog is let out in the yard. The concrete helps wear the nails down. I have a black dog with dark nails so I prefer the groomer to do it as it is harder to determine where the quick is.

Answer 6

I was terrified of trimming my puppy's nails. She is really hyper and won't sit still. I found a routine that really helps to maintain her short nails. First off, their nails should never touch the ground. Google images of the bone complications they can get from walking with long nails (painful). Second, its harder to trim dark nails then it is light colored. If your dog has dark nails then ask your vet to personally walk you through this. I use a normal block filer that you get from the drug store. Its soft enough that she doesn't mind me buffing away at her nails while we relax. I use the filer every other day. I file and buff the top and bottom of her nails so that they arent so thick. Then about once a week ill clip the whites of her nails. The more you manicure their nails the better. If you allow their nails to grow long then the nerves inside of their nails will grow long as well and it will be very hard to get them down to a normal length.

Answer 7

If concerned that you may cause harm to the pet, take to your local vet or groomer for this procedure - be aware of the charges and compartitively shop.

Own a number of dogs and cats and nails are clipped at the least once a month but most rountinely every few weeks according to need.

Outside and inside pets care may vary.

Answer 8

For the first time take the dog to the vet and ask them to show you how. It will be $5-10 for someone to do it. You have to be careful because dogs have quicks in their nails. If you cut it it will bleed and may (depending on the dog) make the nail cutting situation a horrible experience. They do make product like quick stop to stop the bleeding. I can not say how often because it depends how well the dog keeps his nails run down on his own.

Answer 9

if your dog walks a lot on the street his nails won't get too long so you don't have to have them trimmed too often. If you have the "sit all day in my lap" type of dog, you will need to have them trimmed more often.

Check with your vet.

Answer 10

Doing it yourself is easy and cheaper, I do it whenever I notice my dogs nails getting a bit long check once a week and never trim past a certain vain., Talk to your vet about it