02/03/2023
🐾 Nail Maintenance Clinic 🐾
Dogs that have long nails are likely to adjust their foot placement when walking to relieve discomfort in the foot and up the leg. Doing this repeatedly over time can potentially lead to more substantial gait changes and compensation of that leg, which can then cause further issues such as arthritis.
The growth pattern of the nail forms a curved shape. If left untrimmed, the nail will eventually curl round and dig into the foot/pad causing further injury, and more substantial treatment required to relieve the situation.
Not all dogs like their nails being cut, nor do many owners feel comfortable in doing it themselves for fear of hurting them. Vet nurses offer nail trims as a regular service.
We also offer this service, but with a slight difference. Whilst most places will cut the nail with clippers or scissors, we use an electric file. We have seen dogs that have severely hated getting their nails cut, completely accept the file and are compliant throughout the process with minimal protest. A lot of dogs don’t like the feeling of the nail being squeezed/pinched during cutting, and associate the “snap” sound of the scissors with pain. The electric file eliminates this completely. Once the dogs get used to the sound and sensation (slight vibrations) they generally accept it very well.
The dog in these photos had always been difficult to have his nails cut, and as you can see, had a very long dew claw curling round. Just in 1 session, we removed the curled section completely, and filed down all the other nails nicely. He was completely happy with this and stood very nicely throughout.
If you have a dog with nails that you’re struggling with, we have good news!
We’re opening up a nail maintenance clinic to help you out! This will be once a fortnight on Friday mornings.
To enquire further, please email info@spk9therapy.co.uk 🐾
