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Health & Fitness

Monthly Nail Care Keeps Your Pets on Their Toes

Taking care of your pet’s nails is a simple grooming issue that is often overlooked or neglected. Nails of both dogs and cats need regular trimming and inspection. Owners should try to do the trimming from a young age so the pet feels this is a routine, non-threatening activity. A treat can be given after just cutting a few nails to reinforce acceptance of the nail trimming activity. A few nails could be done at each session.

Nails should be checked once a month at minimum. When a dog is standing, the tips of the nails should not contact the surface that he is standing on. Cats’ nails should not curve around and make contact with the toes’ footpad. The nails should be narrow with sharp points. When trimming, make sure to avoid the blood vessel and nerve that can be seen inside the nail. Trim closer to the end of the nail tip and avoid the pink part or “quick.”

As pets age they often get less exercise, which may result in nail problems. Older cats may not use their scratching posts as often, and their front feet nails, in particular, tend to overgrow. In geriatric cats, nails that are not sharpened on scratching posts become wider. When they are cut, peel off the extra nail layer buildup until the nail looks narrow and pointed. As your older dog become less active, you may not walk him in street or on paved surfaces, which tend to help nails stay shorter. Overgrown nails can actually penetrate the pads of their feet causing severe wounds and infection. These wounds are very painful and may restrict their mobility. Geriatric pets may not be as compliant with grooming as younger pets perhaps because arthritis makes it less comfortable.

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If you find a nail that has grown into the toe pad, the nail will need to be trimmed and the wound must be treated. Antibiotics or bandaging may be needed until the wound is healed. Prevent this painful experience by examining and trimming your pet’s nails regularly. If you cannot do the nail trimming at home, take your pet to your veterinarian for this service.

Dr Karen Geissert is the owner of Acton Animal Hospital and a practicing veterinarian. Send your pet care questions to her at Acton Animal Hospital: actonanimalhospital@comcast.net or 978-263-7477.  

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