DOG NAILS

IMPORTANCE OF PROPER CARE AND MAINTENANCE

In the wild, wolves and coyotes keep their nails short through digging and running after prey for hours while hunting. Nails or claws, serve a variety of functions for these animals as well for our dogs, including digging, traction, defense, climbing, and grooming. But our dogs are not wolves and coyotes and they do not live in a wild so it is us that have to help them to keep nails in good condition. There is really huge number of dogs with overgrown nails that can be seen on social media photographies and dogshows and this is something we should be concerned.

There are many functions of nails and our dogs really use them for the following actions on a daily basis. Here are some reasons why it is important to take nail- care:

Traction and Stability - Nails provide dogs with traction and help them maintain stability while walking, running, or navigating different surfaces. The nails dig into the ground, preventing slipping and providing a secure grip.

Digging - Dogs have an instinctual behavior of digging and their nails play a crucial role in this activity. By using their nails, dogs can loosen the soil, create holes or dig for various reasons like burying objects, creating a den, or searching for prey.

Defense and Protection - Nails serve as a defense mechanism. In self-defense or when feeling threatened, dogs may use their nails to swipe or scratch, aiming to deter or repel potential threats.

Grooming - Dogs use their nails for grooming purposes. They may scratch themselves to relieve an itch, remove debris from their fur, or clean hard-to-reach areas like their ears or face.

Marking Territory - Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and scratching the ground with their nails helps distribute their scent and mark their territory. This behavior is often observed in outdoor environments where dogs want to establish their presence.

Climbing - Some dogs, particularly those with more flexible or agile bodies, may use their nails to climb objects like trees or fences. Their claws provide them with grip and allow them to navigate vertical surfaces.

Even if it maybe seems not so important, proper care and maintenance of nails play a crucial role in the overall well-being and health of our loved dogs and it is important to work on it on the early puppy age, especially because Ridgebacks have really fast growing nails.

Responsible breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of both the mother and the puppies will include proper nail care as part of their breeding practices.

They play a crucial role in the early socialization and care of puppies, including handling their paws and introducing them to nail trimming tools and procedures. This helps to desensitize the puppies to the process and make future nail trims less stressful. Early exposure to nail-care helps puppies become well-adjusted and confident adults.

Introducing puppies to nail trimming tools and procedures, as well as other grooming activities, during their critical socialization period can have several benefits:

Desensitization - exposing puppies to nail trimming tools and procedures at a young age helps them become accustomed to the sensations and sounds associated with grooming. This reduces the likelihood of them developing fear or anxiety related to nail trimming in the future.

Positive Association - Responsible breeders can use positive reinforcement techniques, treats, and rewards during nail trimming sessions. This creates a positive association with the process, making puppies more willing to cooperate during nail trims later in life. But, the first nail cut is approx. at the age of 10 days, and if the breeders continue to do it regularly, puppies will be used on it and no treats will be needed.

Safety - Regular nail trimming is important for a dog’s overall health and comfort. By introducing puppies to the process early, breeders contribute to the long-term well-being of the dogs they raise.

Good Habits - Puppies who are introduced to grooming procedures like nail trimming are more likely to accept these activities as a normal part of their routine. This sets the foundation for a lifetime of good grooming habits and easier maintenance for their future owners.

Bonding - Regular handling and grooming sessions provide opportunities for positive interactions between puppies and their breeders. This helps foster a strong bond and trust between the puppies and humans, which can carry over into their relationships with future owners.

It’s important to note that the socialization and training provided by breeders should be continued efforts from new puppy owners. Early experiences and positive associations set the stage, but ongoing maintenance and reinforcement are essential for ensuring the puppy’s comfort and cooperation with grooming procedures throughout their life.

Trimming is also necessary for the safety and well-being of both the mother and the puppies. Puppies have sharp claws that can accidentally scratch and injure the mother’s sensitive teats area while nursing. By keeping the puppies’ nails trimmed, the risk of such injuries is minimized, ensuring a more comfortable nursing experience for the mother and the puppies can achieve a more secure and effective latch during nursing, which is crucial for their nutrition and growth. If the mother is in discomfort due to scratches or injuries caused by sharp claws, she may become agitated or avoid nursing altogether.

We all know that puppies are also playful and energetic, and they can inadvertently scratch themselves or their littermates during play.

Trimming their nails can help prevent accidental scratches or cuts, reducing the chances of self-inflicted injuries especially in their rough play. Scratches and injuries caused by sharp nails can create openings in the skin, making both the mother and puppies more susceptible to infections. By preventing such injuries through regular nail trimming, the risk of infections is reduced. When it comes time that puppies go to their families (8-12 weeks) responsible breeders provide guidance and advice to new owners on how to care for their puppy’s claws and leave this task to the new owners.

Transition to a new environment is the ideal time for the new owners to start getting the puppy accustomed to nail trimming. It allows the puppy to settle into their new environment and build trust with their new family, making the grooming process easier. Soon or later the nails will come to the schedule, so it is important that new owners continue with what breeders have already started.

But unfortunately not every owner follows this and takes it seriously. Or they do not care, or are afraid and concerned to do it, and nails are growing and growing, the quick (the quick houses nerves and blood supply) in the nails is following and “kabooom” there comes a problem.

Once short nails that helped to maintain the dog’s comfort, mobility, and overall health, became overgrown and the dog is in problem because these too long nails can pose significant risks to a dog’s health.

One of the most common issues associated with long nails in dogs is the difficulty they experience while walking. Overgrown nails can alter the dog’s gait, leading to discomfort and pain. As the nails grow too long, dogs may shift their weight unnaturally to avoid putting pressure on the nails.

Posture and proper alignment are crucial for dogs to maintain balance and distribute their weight evenly. However, long nails can disrupt this balance, leading to postural issues that strain the dog’s muscles and joints. The risk of injury can be increased whenever the body must compensate. Over time, this can result in discomfort, musculoskeletal problems, and a decreased quality of life for our dogs.

It is like when we have something in our shoe. Normally, we do not continue to walk or walk nor- mally because we feel the pain. Overgrown nails are just like that, and our dogs cannot get rid of it…They have to continue to walk with this “thing in the shoe” and trying to compensate the pain with changing the balance and we do not want that our dogs feel this discomfort, do we?

More weight is distributed off the toe pads and onto larger central pad. During movement long nails reduce toe’s range of motion in flexion whilst the foot is in contact with the ground. At the point of impact, there is a loss of shock-absorption in the foot since the toes are forced into flexion due to rotational force caused by the overgrown nails. Angulation changes within foot place extra tension on the digital flexors running up the caudal or rear side of the leg. Adverse effects on joint angulation can continue up to the limb, reaching then shoulder and hip.

Once the range of motion in the limbs is restricted and there are force imbalances in muscles, ligaments and tendons, the body compensates through the axial or spinal region which can create a poor topline.

Splayed or sore feet are another consequence of neglecting nail care in dogs.

When nails are excessively long, they can force the dog’s toes to spread apart unnaturally, resulting in splayed feet. This condition can cause pain, strain the dog’s muscles and joints, and lead to balance problems and further mobility issues.

Moreover, overgrown nails can cause ingrown nails, a painful condition in which the nails curl and grow into the paw pads. This can lead to inflammation, infections, and further complications if not addressed promptly by a veterinarian.

Proper posture occurs when is no presure from the nail pushing into the floor and back into the nail bed.

Whole-body posture changes can occur due to the dog needing to shift weight backwards in a attempt to relieve nail pressure.

Accidental injuries are also more likely to occur in dogs with long nails.

Snagging, tearing, or fracturing a nail can cause pain and bleeding, requiring veterinary attention. Additionally, a dog’s nail getting caught on an object while running or playing can lead to sudden jolts and jerks, potentially causing injuries to their paws, legs, or other parts of the body.

To prevent these health issues, nail trimming is crucial.

Regular attention to your dog’s nails ensures they can lead an active, comfortable, and happy life by your side especially because Rhodesian Ridgebacks have fast growing nails and if you leave nails to overgrow or you want to trim the nails every second year, your dog will be in huge stress because is not used to it.

Reward and praise your dog with treat after every nail you cut, kiss your dog and have a positive attitude! You want them to associate nail trimming as a loving experience! Use all the best tricks in the initial phase so your dog does not become a drama queen.

You can do this gradually introducing your dog to the clippers or the grinder and getting used to having their paws handled. Gently touch and handle their paws while providing treats and positive vibes.

Slowly introduce the sound of the clippers without actually using them and then gradually progress to clipping a small portion of the nail.

It is also good to trim the nails while they are tired and sleepy.

Start on the hind feet, because the nails tend to be a little shorter and less sensitive than the front leg nails. If your dog loses patience very quickly, try cutting one nail a day. As long as you are consistent, the best schedule is to trim the nails every 16 days. (2 x month)

It is also good to be completely calm and confident in this procedure because Ridgebacks are experts in reading our body language and energy. If your Ridgie reads your inner panic or stress be sure that the dog will also become stressed. After a while and continuous work on getting your dog used to this, your dog will be accustomed and you will always be able to fix the nails without any stress and no need to visit the Vet and have a nightmare with fixing your dog’s nails. It is better to do this on your sofa.

Some RR owners started to introduce and trim the nails during the walks. Dog is focused on surroundings and it is easier to start the process. It is best that one person is giving a dog some treats and the other tries to cut the nails while dog is standing. Just as like when the horse gets horseshoe. One try, one treat….and start with the hind legs. This is maybe a good way to get your dog into the nail care process.

Understanding the anatomy of a dog’s nail is essential for proper nail care and trimming. It’s important to trim the nails carefully, avoiding cutting into the quick, which can cause pain and bleeding.

Nail Bed: The nail bed is the area beneath the nail that attaches it to the toe. It is rich in blood vessels and nerve endings. The nail bed is responsible for nourishing the nail as it grows.

Quick: Running in the centre of each claw is a section of nerves and blood vessels called the quick. The quick is the living part of the nail that extends into the nail itself. The quick is visible as a pinkish area within the light coloured nail. In dark coloured nails you will not be able to see the quick and should carefully trim each claw little by little, until you can see a black spot in the centre of the claw. If you go any further than this, you might cut into the quick.

When cutting your dog’s claws, the section containing the quick should be avoided as it will be painful for your dog and is likely to result in bleeding and drama.

Nail Matrix: The nail matrix is the tissue at the base of the nail where new nail cells are produced. It is responsible for nail growth and determines the shape and thickness of the nail.

Nail Plate: The nail plate is the hard, outer part of the nail that we see. It is composed of compacted layers of keratin, a tough protein. The nail plate provides protection to the sensitive tissues underneath.

Cuticle: Dogs have a small, thin layer of skin at the base of the nail called the cuticle or eponychium. It helps protect the nail matrix and keep out dirt and bacteria.

Claw or Talon: The claw or talon refers to the entire structure of the nail, including the nail plate and underlying tissues. It is the functional part that a dog uses for various activities such as walking, running, and gripping.

If your dog is standing on a flat surface, their nails should not touch the ground. A good indicator that your dog’s nails may need a trim is if you can hear their nails clicking loudly as they move around on hard or tiled floor in your home.

Nails should be neither too long or too short. Having enough length to provide grip when toes are used for forceful acceleration yet do not tap the ground at the walk or trot.

Regular trimming will keep the quick short and it will not be extended.

Dogs whose nails have not been trimmed for a long time should be trimmed cautiously because long claws will also have a long quick. If you want to shorten the quick, you have to cut nails every week.

Once the insensitive nail is thinned out and isn’t supporting the quick, the quick will dry up and recede. This will allow you to cut your dog’s nails even shorter, but for that you will need months to fix.

Use only “scissor” type clippers. Guillotine style clippers crush the toe, and this could be painful. Never put the whole nail in a clipper.

When you trim your dog’s nails with clippers hold the clippers at a 45-degree angle.

Clip each nail carefully, so that you don’t accidentally cut into the quick, which is the live part of the nail.

NEVER PUT THE WHOLE NAIL INTO CLIPPER! CUT IT PIECE BY PIECE TILL YOU DO NOT GET CLOSE TO THE QUICK - LIVE PART OF THE NAIL!

Otherwise your dog will feel the pain and then it is probably The END...Finito! Good bye.....

Drama is ON forever probably if the dog starts to connect the pain with clippers!

And don’t forget about declaw!

Declaw sits higher on your dog’s front leg and also has a nail. This nail does not get worn down on pavement or walks like other nails but this nail usually curls over and needs to be trimmed also regularly.

The perfect cutting range ends right before the blood supply (the quick)

Front paws are more likely to get overgrown nails and should be cut more often than the rear paws! You should always cut parallel to the bottom.

If your dog moved at the last second, you couldn’t see what you were doing for whatever the reason, there’s no need to panic if you cut the nail too short and the nail started to bleed. Yes, it can be distressing to see your dog’s nail start bleeding, it’s important to know that this situation is not life-threatening.

Stay Calm! Do not make fuss or drama! It’s essential to remain calm to help both you and your dog stay relaxed. Dogs can sense your emotions, so staying composed will help prevent your dog from becoming anxious.

Simply press a pinch of styptic powder, corn starch or flour to the nail and apply pressure until it stops bleeding, and hope that your dog does not go into drama mode because any future attempt of “manicure” will be possible horror for your dog.

You can also use also the antibiotic powder. Although the amount of blood lost can look dramatic, it is unlikely to cause a healthy dog any problems.

Dogs might instinctively try to lick the bleeding nail. While it’s not harmful, it can hinder clotting. You can distract your dog with treats or engage them in a calm activity to prevent licking.

Remember that accidents happen, and most dogs recover quickly from minor incidents like a bleeding nail. However, if you notice any signs of infection, prolonged bleeding, or if your dog seems to be in discomfort, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for professional guidance.

The choice between clippers and dremels depends on your dog’s comfort level, your own comfort and experience with the tools, and your dog’s individual nail characteristics. Some dogs might prefer one method over the other, and it’s important to introduce either tool gradually and positively to help your dog get accustomed to the process.

No matter if you choose clipping or grinding, both are equally efficient and safe ways to trim your dog’s nails. Clippers are cheaper and less noisy, while dremels are louder and more expensive but more precise and efficient.

This clipper is pretty silent and does not disturb our dogs, and it is easy to handle!

The blades are very sharp and cut smoothly and easily even the smallest parts of the nail..

Even with lots of use, the stainless-steel blades always hold up great, maintaining their sharpness for many years. Millers are comfortable to hold, quiet to use, and easy to maneuver around each nail thanks to the size and thinness of the blades.

These nail clippers also have a quick-guard safety feature and safety lock for safe storage.

Nail grinders are great for dogs that don’t love clippers as well as dogs with black nails since you can’t see the quick and there is less possibility to injure the quick.

You did everything…. you gradually introduced trimming, you had plenty of patience, positive reinforcement, and gave your dog a whole bag of treats….and your dog still has a anxiety nightmares or shows even aggression?

Some dogs can develop negative associations or extreme reactions to certain procedures, including nail trimming, despite the best efforts of their owners.

If this is the case, do not force your dog to have their nails trimmed, but you should consider consulting your vet or behaviourist or start from the beginning step by step. They can assess the situation, identify potential underlying issues, and recommend appropriate strategies. A behaviorist can create a customized behavior modification plan to help desensitize and counter-condition the dog’s negative response. This might involve breaking down the process into small, manageable steps and gradually building positive associations.

If nail trimming remains a challenge, you might explore alternative methods such as using a scratching post, outdoor walks on abrasive surfaces, or using special nail files designed for dogs.

Changing a dog’s negative response to nail trimming takes time and consistent effort. It might involve months or even longer to make significant progress. It’s crucial to be patient and persistent while prioritizing your dog’s emotional well-being.

It may take months, even maybe a years to train your dog so the trimmimg becomes comfortable, but in the end, it will be worth it, because your dog needs it!

Listen to the click click click, it’s time to take control, Grab those clippers, let’s tend to their precious soul. With patience and with care, we’ll trim them nice and neat, And restore the harmony to their tiny paws and feet.

WRITTEN BY DVM ALEXANDRA VITER, KENGAROO KENNEL, DNIPRO, UKRAINE