How to Tell if Your Dog's Nails Are Too Long

Knowing when to book a nail trimming appointment is crucial for your pet's comfort. Because dogs walk on their toes, long nails can cause immediate discomfort. Chima Pet Grooming helps Miami pet owners keep their dogs' paws healthy. Here is how to tell if a trim is overdue.

1. The "Clicking" Sound

This is the most common and obvious sign. When your dog walks across a hard surface like tile, wood, or laminate flooring, you should not hear their nails clicking against the ground. If you hear a distinct tapping sound with every step, their nails are too long and are striking the floor before their paw pads do.

2. Visual Inspection: Touching the Ground

Have your dog stand squarely on a flat, hard surface. Look at their paws at eye level. The nails should hover slightly above the ground. If the nails are touching the floor, or worse, if they are curving sideways because they are pushing against the ground, it is time to call our professional mobile pet grooming in Miami team.

3. Slipping on Smooth Floors

Dogs need their paw pads to grip the floor. If their nails are too long, the nails act like ice skates on smooth surfaces. If your dog is suddenly struggling to get up from a hardwood floor or is sliding around corners, they likely need a nail trim and a paw pad clipping.

4. Don't Forget the Dewclaws!

Dewclaws are the "thumb" nails located higher up on the inside of the leg. Because they never touch the ground, they don't wear down naturally. If left unchecked, dewclaws can grow in a circle and grow directly into the dog's skin, causing a painful infection. Always check these hidden nails!

5. Sensitivity to Paw Touching

If your dog suddenly pulls their paw away when you touch it, or licks their paws excessively, they might be experiencing pain from overgrown nails. Read our customer reviews to see how we handle sensitive paws with care!