My dogs toe nails are so long. What do I do?

Question

Can I ask my vet to trim my dogs nails really short past the quik? They are super super long and her toes twist on the floor. I have had them trimmed but they grow unbelieveably fast. I am wondering if the vet can cut them really short while she is unconscious and control the bleeding. Then I can keep them trimmed more regularly while they are at a reasonable length. She does not like me to touch her nails so I think that her toes hurt or something...she actually snarls at me if I try to trim them. The vet trims them just barely because of the quik and it will take months I think to trim them that way, plus cost me an arm and leg....what do you all think?

Answer 1

If the quick is really long take it to the groomer, and have them grind up to the quick. The nails will still be long. Then keep bringing the dog in every other week to get the nails grinded again, eventually the quicks will get shorter and you will be able to get them very short. Just make sure to keep up with them. You can also buy a dremel and try grinding them on your own. Sometiimes dogs really dont like it and you need a professional to do it!! Make sure to get it done its very painful and can cause bone problems in their legs and feet!!!

Answer 2

Do not cut the nails past the quik because it could cause an infection. I have 3 dogs & I've never had to trim their nails. Why? My dogs are indoor/outdoor dogs & my backyard has a stony cement. When my dogs run in the backyard, the stony cement must shorten their nails. Now, I know that doesn't really answer your question, so here's my answer. You could take your dogs to the groomer's to get their nails clipped. I think pet stores can clip their nails too. I'm not sure what the cost would be though. If I were you, I would try to take my dogs on regular walks to trim down their nails. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Your dog might be snarling at you because those long nails are hurting his feet when he stands or walks. I don't think any vet will cut the nails below the quick- that would be really painful, just like if we clip one of our nails down too low. And that hurts until it starts growing quite a lot. You might try another vet, call and ask first if they can trim them a good amount instead of very small amounts. People who would be doing this are trained in dealing with all dogs. Those who are very experienced go really quick, it can be done in say- a couple of minutes.

Answer 4

Don't have them cut past the quik! That would hurt too much for as long as it took for them to grow out past it. Have the vet trim them, then every week or two, you could try to trim them a little bit. Once they are trimmed by the vet they probably wont be as sore so maybe your dog wont mind if you trim them after that. Just don't trim them too much, dogs can bleed to death from that. Good Luck!!!

Answer 5

I would take her to a vet or groomer and have them cut. They can show you the correct way to trim them.

Her toes probably do hurt. Long nails strike the floor every time a dog takes a step and it can make them sore. If she's biting or growling while you do this, get someone else to help by restraining her or muzzle her.

The quick will eventually recede to a more normal length if her nails are kept trimmed regularly. Keep them cut close to but not into the quick.

Answer 6

If her nails are too long, her toes probably do hurt. GET THIS DOG TO THE VET. She needs her toenails trimmed. The vet won't trim an animals nails past the quick. It's entirely too painful and subject to infection, even if it's cauterized. Trimming the nails will always need to be done.

Answer 7

You cannot trim them past the quick - Would you cut your own nails that short? No! Because it would hurt like heck!

Try taking the dog to a groomer to get it's nails trimmed if you can't do it yourself - It's a lot cheaper than the vet.

Answer 8

Your dog's nails look way too long - extreme in fact .... your dog should be able to put her pads flat on the floor and her nails should just miss touching the floor..... get her to a vet and get them trimmed .... your poor dog is basically walking on the backs of her pads because she can't put her feet down properly..... try walking around your heels for a while - you'll understand then how she feels.....you might, after the vet visit, take her on walks that include hard surfaces like gravel and pavements - these will help to keep the nails worn down to a reasonable length and help to prevent them growing too long ......

Answer 9

UGH you should have started trimming nails WEEKLY starting when dog was a pup,, that way the quick wouldn't have grown into the nail so long... keep tipping them off weekly and give her walks on pavement.. you couold consult the vet if she is lame because of the neglect of her nails.. but have her knocked out to cut the nails short would be extremely painful,,,, would you like to be knocked out and have your fingernails cut off below their norm ( as long as doc controlled the bleeding( you would still be very sore when you woke up don't ya think?

Answer 10

I worked at a vet before and had experience with this. We have cut the nails past the quick in some bad cases, but only while they are under anesthetics. Bleeding of the quick can be stopped with styptic powder. You could also learn to clip the nails yourself. Best done if you have someone to hold the dog while you clip. If the nails are black, you can see the quick under a flashlight.