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When should I trim my dog's nails? What signs mean they're too long?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | neutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 16 lbs

How can you tell when a dog needs their nails cut?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2019

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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