ANSWERS: 1
  • <h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Listen for clues.

    Walk your dog across a hard floor. If you hear defined clicking with each step, your dog's nails are too long. Be sure to look at the dew claws, however. The dew claw is located higher up on the foot, and will not touch the floor when it walks. The dew claw should be checked often, as it can grow into the dog's skin.

    On the Other: Regular exercise may eliminate the need for trims.

    Regular exercise or walking on concrete and asphalt will wear the nail down naturally. The exception again is the dew claws. Look at the dew claws regularly to be sure they are growing normally and not curling into the dog's pad or foot.

    Bottom Line

    It depends on the dog's lifestyle. Look and listen for clues of when the dog's nails need a trim -- it may be monthly for a sedentary dog, while an active animal may never need a pedicure.

    Resource:

    Healthy Happy Dogs

    Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Health Topics

    Professor's House Pet Section

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