My dog chews nails. Should I still trim them, or is that enough?

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The average dog needs their nails cut every 4-8 weeks. If the nails are clear, you can see how much nail extends beyond the pink "quick" - the triangular shaped blood supply that comes from the base of the nail. If the nail is longer than about a cm beyond the quick, it's ready to be cut back. If the nails are starting to get more of a point or tapered edge at the tip, then they're getting too long. However, this quick grows with the nail - so the longer the nails get, the less you will be able to cut them back. When in doubt, cut the nails once a month - and over time you'll get a feel for your specific dog's needs and if you can spread those nail trims out a bit. Hope this helps!

Each dog has a little bit different speed at which the nails will grow, but generally speaking you should cut Chloe's nails once every 3-6 weeks. If they are to be point of curling under, then you know you've waited a bit too long so next time cut them maybe a week or two sooner. I hope this helps!

Just like people, dogs' nails are constantly growing. Some dogs require nail trims as often as every 2 weeks, but if a dog spends more time walking on concrete, they may be able to go several months between nail trims. Concrete acts as a bit of a nail file, so the abrasive surface can help to file nails on dogs of all sizes. Since you're nervous about clipping Kiki's nails, you may want to try using a Dremel to help file them. Some dogs are afraid of the loud noise, but others are more agreeable to this than clipping - the only way to find out is to give it a shot. Since you're uncomfortable clipping her nails at home, the only other option is to continue taking Kiki either to a groomer or a vet every few weeks/months to have her nails clipped. There's a blood vessel (often referred to as the quick) inside of each nail, which is what can bleed if it's nicked. You can use styptic powder from the pet store to help cauterize any mild bleeding that may occur, which is the same thing that your vet would likely use. More intensive cautery is rarely needed for nail trims. It's extremely uncommon for vets to intentionally cut the nails back short enough that they'd all bleed because this is extremely painful and largely considered to be unnecessary. Sticking with frequent trimmings is enough to gradually help the quicks to become a bit shorter.

How often you need to cut depends on their length and your dog's lifestyle. If she spends time outside walking on a hard surface then she may wear them down naturally. If she is mostly inside then she will probably need them cut more frequently. If she has white nails then you should be able to visualize the quick and should be able to judge when they need to be cut. You want to avoid the quick as cutting the quick is painful to the dog. The only product you really need is a sharp pair of nail trimmers appropriate for her size. Here is a good article about trimming nails in dogs. https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.petcoach.co/amp/article/how-to-trim-your-dog-s-nails-in-5-easy-steps

Hello and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! For a German Shepherd I would say weekly to every couple of weeks should be good for a thorough brush out. The important thing is to make sure that Rusty is not being bathed more than every 3 - 4 weeks as frequent baths can cause skin irritation. As far as nail cutting, every 3 weeks is pretty standard. More frequent nail trims or dremel (every 1.5 - 2 weeks) may be needed if the nails are very long and you are trying to get the quicks shorter. For larger dogs, especially ones with black nails, I find that using a dremel is easier. However, some dogs don't like the noise, so you have to do what works for you and Rusty. I hope this information was helpful for you.

It’s possible but some dogs do show a preference for chewing on one set of nails versus another. Check to make sure there is not redness on the skin or discharge between the paw pads. If you see anything like that then it could be infected and she should see the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Great question! You can cut them yourself, and I would get some dog nail trimmers from the pet store. Take a look at Nala's nails, and can see a clear part and a pink part. The pink part is the quick, and if cut that, it will be painful to her and it will bleed a lot. It's always best to cut a little a time to avoid the quick than cutting too much at once. Now some dog's nails are black, and you can't see the quick on those nails. It's best to cut a little bit off in that case. If you accidentally cut the quick, you can put styptic powder or cornstarch in the palm of your hand, and hold the nail in it to stop the bleeding. I will put a link to a website that has pictures to help you cut Nala's nails: https://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach/Pet-Health-Topics/categories/procedures/dogs/clipping-your-dog's-claws