Isla Bennett
Dog nail care is a common concern for dog owners, and while some dogs need regular nail trims, others seem to maintain their nails without any human intervention. Some dogs may chew their nails, while others may naturally wear them down through activities like running and walking on certain surfaces. There is also the option of training your dog to use an emery board to file their nails. However, it is important to be cautious when trimming dog nails, as over-clipping can cause pain and negative associations with nail care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dogs trimming their own nails | Some dogs keep their nails short by walking/running on hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or rocks. |
| Dogs with active lifestyles may not need nail trims as their nails wear down naturally. | |
| Dogs may chew their nails down to a perfect length. | |
| Dogs can be trained to use an emery board to file their nails. | |
| Nail trimming frequency | Natural dogs, similar to their wild cousins, may not need nail trimming. |
| The quick of the nail, which contains nerves and blood vessels, should not be cut. | |
| Long nails can cause discomfort and can break or rip off. | |
| Dewclaws, or 'thumbs', may need to be trimmed separately. |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can chew their nails down
Dogs can, indeed, chew their nails down. This is a common behaviour that many dog owners have observed in their pets. While some dogs may chew their nails due to anxiety, boredom, or allergies, others seem to do it simply as part of their grooming routine to keep their nails at a comfortable length.
One dog owner observed that their dog chewed her dew claws down and only started getting long nails when they switched from walking on roads to walking in the yard. Similarly, another owner observed that their dog's nails only needed trimming a couple of times a year, as they were mostly worn down by running on rocks or concrete.
In addition to chewing, dogs' nails can also be filed down through physical activity, such as running and walking on hard surfaces. This is supported by the observation that dogs who are less active tend to have longer nails that require more frequent trimming. Therefore, increasing the amount of exercise your dog gets can be a natural way to help keep their nails short.
However, it is important to note that nail-chewing can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. For example, it could indicate an allergy to food, pollen, or laundry detergent, or an infection that requires medical attention. If you are concerned about your dog's nail-chewing behaviour, it is always best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Overall, while some dogs may chew their nails down to a healthy length, it is important to monitor their behaviour and nail length to ensure it is not a sign of something more serious, and to provide plenty of opportunities for physical activity to help keep their nails naturally short.
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Long walks on hard surfaces can file nails
It is a well-known fact that walking on hard, rough surfaces can help file a dog's nails. This is similar to how the hooves of horses and goats are worn down when they walk on rough surfaces, and how rabbit teeth are worn down by chewing on things. The abrasiveness of the surface is more important than its hardness. For example, well-worn trails on hard-packed dirt may not be abrasive enough to trim a dog's nails, whereas sidewalks and paved trails are usually abrasive enough to keep a dog's nails at a good length. Dogs that are frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go longer between nail trims.
However, it is worth noting that some dog owners have reported that walking their dogs on rough surfaces does not keep their nails short enough. This may be because the surface is not abrasive enough, or because the dog's nails grow faster than the surface can wear them down. In addition, walking a dog on very abrasive surfaces can sometimes wear their nails down too much, causing bleeding. This can be avoided by occasionally examining your dog's nails and ensuring they do not touch the ground or click on hard floors when walking. If this is the case, their nails are too long and should be trimmed.
Some dogs may also chew their nails down to a perfect length, although this can be unsettling for owners due to the noise it makes. Dogs with black nails may be more challenging to trim as they are not transparent, and it can be difficult to see the quick. In this case, it is best to seek expert advice before trimming.
Overall, while long walks on hard surfaces can help to file a dog's nails, it is important to monitor the length of your dog's nails and trim them if necessary to prevent overgrowth or bleeding.
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Some dogs are uncomfortable with paw handling
One way to address this issue is by gradually conditioning the dog to feel comfortable with traditional nail trims. This can be achieved through positive reinforcement and rewards. For example, owners can start by simply rubbing and holding their dog's paws, offering praise and treats to create a positive experience. Over time, they can introduce nail clippers and gradually trim the nails while continuing to provide rewards.
Additionally, some dogs may naturally trim their own nails through activities such as running and walking on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. These activities help wear down their nails, reducing the need for frequent trimming. However, this may not be the case for all dogs, especially those with longer quicks or black nails, which can be more challenging to trim.
In cases where dogs are extremely uncomfortable with nail trimming, alternative solutions can be explored. One creative approach is to use a makeshift doggie emery board. By attaching sandpaper to a Frisbee and using spray cheese or other treats, owners can encourage their dogs to file their nails through scratching or chewing. This method provides a sense of control and comfort for the dog while still achieving the desired result of shorter nails.
It is important for owners to closely monitor their dog's nails and consult with experts or veterinarians if they are unsure about the trimming process. While some dogs may naturally maintain their nail length through daily activities, others may require regular trimming to prevent discomfort and potential health issues.
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Over-clipping nails can cause pain associations
Dogs' nails are made up of a living pink quick and a hard outer shell. The quick contains nerves and blood vessels, and cutting it can cause bleeding and pain. Overly long nails can be uncomfortable for dogs, as they can cause a dog to lose traction in their paw, making it easier for them to slip and fall. However, over-clipping nails can also be detrimental.
When you clip a dog's nails too short, you will hurt them. They may not show it at the time, but dogs remember this pain. While resilient dogs can tolerate the occasional slip, frequent over-clipping will cause any dog to associate nail clippers or foot handling with pain. Even one bad experience can be enough for an anxious dog to learn this association.
To avoid over-clipping, it is important to understand the anatomy of a dog's nail. The quick typically sits within 1mm of the end of the nail, and this is the part that should be avoided when trimming. For dogs with dark nails, look out for a chalky white ring, which indicates the start of the quick.
To prevent over-clipping, only trim the tip of the nail, cutting straight across. It is also important to get your dog accustomed to the process from a young age, so they become comfortable with it. This can be achieved by handling their paws frequently and rewarding them with praise and treats.
Some dogs naturally maintain the length of their nails by wearing them down on hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, during walks. However, this is not the case for all dogs, and some will need their nails trimmed regularly to avoid discomfort.
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How to teach your dog to scratch an emery board
Although some dogs may naturally maintain their nail length by walking or running on hard surfaces, it is still important to trim their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and potential health issues. One way to do this is by teaching your dog to use a scratch board or emery board to file their nails. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:
- Gather your supplies: You will need a clicker, small treats your dog loves, a scratch board or emery board, and a quiet room with a door to minimize distractions.
- Prepare the scratch board: If you purchased a pre-made scratch board, you can skip this step. Otherwise, choose a base made from any flat or curved solid surface, such as scrap wood, a cutting board, or PVC pipe cut in half. Add an abrasive surface by adhering abrasive tread tape to the base.
- Choose a training location: Select a small room where your dog feels comfortable and place the scratch board on the floor. If your dog is fearful of handling, you may want to sit farther away from the board or experiment with different seating positions (on the floor or a chair) to find what works best for your dog.
- Encourage your dog to approach the board: Place your dog in the room with you and close the door. Have your dog enter the room and click and treat them for walking towards the board. You can also scatter treats on or near the board to encourage them to approach and investigate.
- Reward paw placement: When your dog places their paws on the board, reward them with a treat. You can also toss a treat towards them after they step on the board to encourage further interaction.
- Prompt scratching behaviour: There are several ways to do this. You can hide treats or a toy under a towel or cloth on the board, prompting your dog to dig and scratch. Gradually decrease the size of the fabric covering the treats to fade out this prompt. Alternatively, place the board somewhere your dog already scratches or puts their paws up, as this can speed up shaping the desired behaviour.
- Repeat and reinforce: Practice this training consistently, reinforcing the behaviour by clicking and treating every 5-10 seconds or within a similar timeframe. End each training session after 5-10 repetitions.
- Fade out prompts: As your dog becomes more familiar with the board, gradually reduce the reliance on treats and other lures. Skip the lure entirely and observe if your dog exhibits the scratching behaviour without prompts.
- Increase scratching vigour: Once your dog consistently scratches the board, work towards encouraging them to scratch more vigorously. This may involve longer or more frequent scratching sessions.
Remember, nail care can be a stressful experience for some dogs, so be patient and provide positive reinforcement throughout the training process. Always monitor your dog's nails to ensure they do not become too long, and seek expert advice if you are unsure about trimming or nail care.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dogs can trim their own nails. Some dogs chew their nails down, while others keep them short by walking or running on hard surfaces like concrete.
You can teach your dog to scratch an emery board by demonstrating the behaviour yourself and rewarding them with treats.
Dogs with long nails can experience soreness in their legs and feet. Long nails can also catch on things and break or rip off, which can be painful.
