Having professionals cut your dog’s nails will keep your pup happy and healthy. While they may not understand why you’re doing it, nail clipping prevents many painful and avoidable conditions that could progress into joint problems or arthritis. Here are the most important reasons for bringing your companion to the dog groomer for bi-weekly trimmings.

Why Should Your Dog’s Nails Be Regularly Cut?

1. Comfort

Walking and running on overgrown nails is painful for dogs. When left untrimmed, they are weakened and can tear or break easily, curl underneath the paws, or catch on fabric and uneven flooring. Many dogs will walk with an awkward gait to keep pressure off of their nails, which leaves their legs and feet sore. Active outdoor dogs that frequently run on concrete naturally wear down their nails, so they don’t require trimming sessions quite as often. But if your pup spends most of their time indoors, they need a dog groomer to keep their nails at a comfortable length.

2. Avoid Alignment Issues

When a dog’s nails are long enough to touch the ground, every step pushes them back into the nail bed, placing pressure on toe joints. Some dogs experience so much pain walking on overgrown nails that they’ll adjust their posture to avoid putting weight on them. Unfortunately, the combination of pressure and adjustment can shift their natural alignment over time, leaving them susceptible to injuries or increase their risk of developing arthritis.

3. Prevent Infection

If neglected nails grow long enough to curl under the paw, they may begin growing into the pads of your dog’s feet. Not only is this extremely painful for your pet, but it may also lead to infections requiring a vet visit. To ensure this problem never affects your dog, listen for the telltale click-clacking of overgrown nails on hard flooring and check their paws for curled ones. Bi-weekly or monthly dog grooming will keep their nails clean and at a safe length.

Is your pup due for a nail trimming? Bring them to All Creatures Inn of Nicholasville, KY, for affordable pet grooming services. Their experienced staff is dedicated to helping your pet look and feel their best, from baths and haircuts to ear cleaning and nail clipping. Visit them online for more information about their rates. To schedule an appointment with a professional dog groomer, call (859) 233-9000.