Nail Awareness

Overgrown nails are one of the most common grooming issues — and one of the most impactful on your pet’s comfort and health.

When nails get too long, they can:

• Alter your pet’s gait and posture, causing joint strain
• Curl under and grow into the paw pad, causing pain and infection
• Catch on carpet, fabric, or decking and tear — which is extremely painful and can cause significant bleeding
• Make walking on hard surfaces uncomfortable
• Affect traction, especially for older pets on slippery floors

Inside every nail is a blood vessel and nerve called the quick. In light-coloured nails, you can see the quick as a pink area inside the nail. In dark nails, the quick is not visible, which makes trimming much more difficult. If the quick is nicked, it causes pain and bleeding.

Here are the signs that your pet’s nails are overdue for a trim:

The Click Test

If you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on hard floors when they walk, the nails are too long. Ideally, nails should not touch the ground when your dog is standing on a flat surface.

Visual Check

With your pet standing naturally on a flat surface, look at their paws from the side. The nails should not extend past the bottom of the paw pad. If nails are curving or turning sideways, they are well overdue.

Dewclaw Check

Do not forget the dewclaws — the small nails higher up on the inner side of the leg. Because they do not contact the ground, dewclaws never wear down naturally and can curl into the skin if neglected. Check them regularly.

For Cats

Indoor cats need regular nail checks because they do not wear down their nails on rough outdoor surfaces. If your cat is getting caught on furniture or blankets more than usual, the nails likely need attention. Providing scratching posts helps maintain nail health but may not be enough on its own.

Many pets are sensitive about having their paws touched, which makes nail appointments stressful for everyone. You can help by desensitising your pet to paw handling at home:

• Start by gently touching your pet’s shoulder and working down to the paw over several sessions
• Pair every touch with a treat or calm praise
• Hold the paw gently for a few seconds, then release and reward
• Gradually increase the duration and touch each toe individually
• Practice regularly — short, positive sessions are more effective than long ones
• Never force it — if your pet pulls away, go back to an easier step and build up again

Puppies and kittens should have their paws handled from an early age so it becomes normal. For older pets who are already paw-shy, patience and consistency are key.