Sophia Delgado
Dog nail care is an important part of pet ownership. The speed of nail growth varies between breeds, with nails on front paws growing faster than those on hind paws. Nails that are left to grow too long can cause difficulty in walking and can even grow into the pad of the foot, causing pain and discomfort. To prevent this, it is recommended to trim dog nails every 2-4 weeks, with some sources suggesting weekly or every other week. Dewclaws, which are present on some dogs, should also be monitored as they do not touch the ground and can grow into sharp points. Regular nail trims help maintain short and healthy nails, and prevent the quick or the blood supply and nerves in the nail, from growing too long.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate of fingernails | 3.47 mm per month |
| Average growth rate of toenails | 3.47 mm per month |
| Fingernail with the slowest growth rate | Little fingernail |
| Toenail with the fastest growth rate | Great toenail |
| Factors influencing growth rate | Age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, hereditary factors, overall health, and habits |
| Ways to increase nail health | Take biotin, use nail hardeners, avoid glue-on nails and toxic polishes, practice good nail hygiene, take care of cuticles, and moisturize |
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What You'll Learn
Dewclaws grow faster
Dewclaws are the extra nails near the front paws of dogs, slightly higher than the other four toes. Some dogs also have dewclaws on their rear paws. Dewclaws are typically found on the back of a dog's front legs, but they can also be found on the hind legs of certain breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, Briard, Beauceron, and Icelandic Sheepdog. Dewclaws are similar to thumbs or big toes for dogs and help them accomplish a variety of tasks.
The speed of nail growth varies between dog breeds, and nails on front paws generally grow faster than those on hind paws. It is recommended that dog nails be trimmed when they touch the floor or every two weeks to two months, depending on the individual dog. Weekly or bi-weekly nail trims are ideal for keeping nails short and healthy.
If dewclaws are allowed to grow too long, the quick, or the nervous blood supply, will also grow longer, making it challenging to trim the nail back to a short length. To prevent this, it is important to trim dewclaws regularly and maintain a proper grooming routine for your dog.
Some dog breeds routinely have their front dewclaws removed to enhance their appearance, especially in dog shows. However, dewclaws should not be removed unless there is a compelling reason to do so, as they serve several important purposes, such as providing extra traction and stability for dogs.
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Nails on front paws grow faster
The speed of nail growth in dogs varies between breeds, with nails on the front paws growing faster than those on the hind paws. This means that your dog's nails might need to be trimmed anywhere from every two weeks to every two months.
Some dogs have what is called a dewclaw, a fifth nail that some dogs have four of, some only have two of, and some don't have at all. Because it doesn't touch the ground when the dog is standing, the dewclaw grows much faster and into a sharper point than other nails. This means you may need to trim this nail more often than other claws.
Overgrown nails can cause dogs significant discomfort, pain, and even lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Long nails can split and tear, and in some instances, they can curve and grow into the pad of the foot. If the nails are pressing into the paw pads, your dog may express its discomfort by whining or yelping, especially when walking or if you touch its paws. Other signs of discomfort include excessive licking or chewing of the paws, and reluctance to walk, run, play, or stand up.
Regular nail maintenance, combined with positive reinforcement and patience, will help keep your dog's nails at a healthy length. Most dogs need their nails trimmed every 3-4 weeks, but this can vary depending on the breed, age, and activity level. Weekly or every-other-weekly nail trims are best to keep nails short and healthy. The longer you go without trimming, the longer the "quick" (the nail's blood supply) will grow, and it can take years to train a nail to grow shorter. If you are unsure about trimming your dog's nails, or if they are severely overgrown, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a groomer or veterinarian.
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How to trim nails
The speed at which your nails grow is influenced by your overall health, age, hormones, and habits. Generally, the nails on your dominant hand tend to grow faster, as do the nails on your longer fingers. Your fingernails also grow faster during the day and in the summer. Nail growth is said to peak during puberty and then decline as hormone levels balance out with age.
Now, here's how you can trim your nails:
Gather the Right Tools
Use a nail clipper or nail scissors for your fingernails and a toenail clipper for your toenails. Remember to disinfect your tools regularly. To disinfect them, scrub them with a brush soaked in 70 to 90 percent isopropyl alcohol, then rinse them in hot water and dry them completely.
Soften Your Nails
The best time to trim your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower when they are softer and easier to cut.
Cut Your Nails
For your fingernails, cut almost straight across the nail, then use a nail file or emery board to gently round the corners. This will help keep your nails strong and prevent them from catching on things. When trimming your toenails, cut straight across to reduce your chances of getting an ingrown toenail.
Leave Your Cuticles Alone
Your cuticles protect the nail root and help prevent bacteria and other germs from entering your body and causing an infection. Instead of cutting or pushing them back, focus on moisturising your cuticles to keep them healthy and flexible, especially in dry weather.
File Your Nails
If your nails are too short to trim, you can use a nail file to guide their shape as they grow. Metal files are generally preferred over styrofoam files as the latter tend to be clumsy and break easily.
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How to know when to trim
Keeping your nails well-maintained is an important part of your hygiene routine. Nails that are too long can harbour dirt and bacteria, leading to infections. Regular trimming also prevents issues like hangnails and ingrown toenails.
So, how do you know when it's time to trim your nails? Well, it depends on the length you prefer to keep them. If you like to keep your nails short, you should trim them regularly, perhaps once a week. Fingernails tend to grow faster than toenails, so you may need to trim them more often. It's also important to consider the tasks you use your hands for. For example, if you play a musical instrument or work with your hands, you might prefer to keep your nails short and trim them more frequently.
A good rule of thumb is to trim your nails when they extend past your fingertips. You should leave a sliver of "white" at the top of your nails—about one to two millimetres. Look at all your nails and use the shortest nail as a guide to ensure they are all filed to a uniform length and shape.
Before you trim, it's important to soften your nails by soaking them in lukewarm water or trimming them after a shower or bath. This will make them easier to cut and less likely to split. Use the proper tools for trimming—nail clippers or nail scissors for fingernails and a toenail clipper for your toenails. Remember to disinfect your tools regularly.
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Overgrown nails
The speed of nail growth varies between breeds, and nails on front paws tend to grow faster than those on hind paws. Some dogs have nails that grow faster than others, and very active dogs may not need their nails trimmed as often. For most dogs, you should trim their nails once a month or every other month. Weekly or every-other-weekly nail trims are best to keep nails short and healthy. The longer you go without trimming, the longer the "quick" (the soft cuticle containing blood vessels and nerves) will grow, and it can take years to train a nail into growing with shorter blood supplies.
If you neglect nail trimming and only do it when your dog's nails are already overgrown, it will be a painful and stressful experience for your dog. Introducing your dog to nail trimming early in their life and doing it often can make it easier. Regular walks on pavement are a great way to keep your dog's nails short between trimmings. If your dog spends a lot of time on concrete, the hard surface will act as a natural nail file. However, if they run around on grass or inside on carpet, smooth tiles, or wood, their nail tips won't be worn down and will be at risk of growing too long.
If your dog's nails are overgrown, you may need to take them to a vet or groomer to get them clipped, especially if they are aggressive or won't let you cut their nails. To trim overgrown nails, you should use special nail clippers designed for dogs, such as guillotine clippers, scissor-like clippers for short nails, or plier-style clippers. You can also use a file or grinding tool to get the nail as close to the quick as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, fingernails grow at a rate of about 0.1mm per day, or 3.47mm per month.
Toenails grow at a much slower rate than fingernails, at an average of 1.62mm per month.
Nail growth is influenced by various factors, including age, health, hormones, diet, and season. Nails on the dominant hand and longer fingers tend to grow faster.
It takes approximately six months for a lost fingernail to grow back completely.
While there is no proven method to increase nail growth, maintaining overall health and nail hygiene can help promote stronger and healthier nails.
