What Makes Nail Clipping an Integral Part of Dog Care?
Posted on: 30 September 2021
When you think of dog care for your pup, you probably associate it with taking your animal for vaccinations, feeding it a healthy diet, and seeking veterinary services whenever your pup falls ill. Grooming tasks like nail clipping are also a vital necessity.
While it is difficult to get your pooch to hold still so can cut their nails, you can take them to the vet for this service and avoid the struggle. Getting extra help means your pet's nails won't get so long that they begin to harm themselves. Before you put off a vet appointment any longer, check out the following reasons why nail clipping is an integral part of dog care.
1. Nail clipping will mitigate the risk of joint issues
Not many pet owners will ever think that their dog's nails could start affecting their joints, but this is a common complication. Once the nails get extremely long, your dog will begin to experience difficulties walking. As a result, the animal will inadvertently alter their gait in an attempt to limit applying any pressure to the paw with elongated nails.
The longer their gait is compromised, the more likely excessive pressure is exerted on the affected muscles and joints. Before you know it, your dog will develop joint pain that can negatively impact their mobility. You should also bear in mind that if the joint issues are not addressed by a veterinarian, your dog could become vulnerable to developing arthritis too.
2. Nail clipping will mitigate the risk of paw infections
The second type of complication that can arise when you leave your dog's nails to grow undeterred is intermittent paw infections. When the dog's nails get too long, they begin to curl inward. The more they curl, the higher the chance of the nails piercing into the dog's paw pads and getting lodged inside them. Once the skin on the paw pads break, your dog becomes at an increased threat of secondary infections due to several reasons.
If their nails are dirty, the grime in the nails can transfer bacteria into the paw pad. Secondly, when the dog walks on the affected paw, microbes can penetrate the broken skin and cause an infection. Paw infections can be extremely dangerous if medical attention is not sought early since the infection can spread, which could lead to the need for amputation.
For more information, contact services like Murrells Inlet Veterinary Hospital.
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