We are often asked to clip dog and cat nails while they are in for their check-ups. Sometimes it is a necessary procedure if the nails are over-long. However, sometimes their nails are not over-long at all and the sensitive nail quick could be easily cut, especially if their nails are dark or black in colour.
Excessively long nails can cause some pain and lameness by causing pressure on the nail beds and digits. Over grown nails, especially in cats, can curl around until the sharp nail tips pierce the pad, causing pain and infection as the overgrown nail continues to grow into the pad.
Not all nails need clipped though. Well exercised dogs generally don’t need their nails clipped as they wear down their own nails naturally as they walk and run. It is tempting to trim off the sharp tips but care should be taken not to clip the nail quicks as this can be very painful for your pet ... and the cut nail quick will bleed!
Some dogs and cats do need their nail trimmed regularly:
Alternatives to nail clipping can be manual nail filing, using a strong, metal emery board, or by using a pet-safe, nail- file dermal tool which will carefully trim your pet’s nails down. However, you will have to get your pet used to and comfortable with this procedure slowly and remember to file the nails down carefully and gently and as directed and to a safe level, always avoiding the nail quick.
If you need advice on your pets’ nails or wish to have your pet’s nails checked over and clipped if required, then please contact us for an appropriate appointment for this procedure.
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