Nail clipping is an important part of routine pet care and grooming. The need and frequency that your pet requires a nail trim depends on many factors such as breed, age, exercise and the environment in which your pet is kept. Some dogs and cats, especially those that are more active, may wear their nails down naturally. Dew claws which don’t come into contact with the ground may still require attention.

Overgrown nails can get torn or split which is very painful for your pet and may need veterinary treatment. They can also curl and become ingrown leading to pain, swelling and infection of the paw. Long nails can put unnecessary pressure on the toes and joints in the foot all leading to discomfort for your pet. Sedation or anaesthetic is often required to treat some of the conditions above due to the painful nature so prevention of overgrown nails is a must.

This depends on the individual animal but all nails should be checked regularly. Even if a trim is not required, it is a good idea to handle your pet’s feet often to reduce anxiety when it comes time for a nail trim. Without regular nail trimming, the animals quick will grow too long also. The quick provides blood supply and nerves that nourish and keep the nail healthy and if accidently cut causes immense pain for your pet. With regular trimming, the quick will recede, allowing the nails to be taken back to an appropriate length. So if this is the case your pet may require more frequent trims, but generally dogs and cats will need a nail trim every 4-6 weeks.