When it comes to dog care, we often think about diet, exercise, and grooming, but one often-overlooked aspect is nail health. Your dog’s nails may not seem like a major part of their overall well-being, but they actually play a crucial role in their mobility, comfort, and even health. Here are 10 interesting facts about dogs’ nails that every pet owner should know.
1. Dog Nails Grow Continuously
Just like human fingernails, a dog’s nails grow continuously. Some dogs wear down their nails naturally through activities like walking or running on hard surfaces. However, many dogs still need regular nail trims to prevent overgrowth, which can cause pain and difficulty walking.
2. There Are Different Types of Dog Nails
Most dogs have black, white, or even multicolored nails. Dark nails can make it challenging to see the “quick” (the vein inside the nail), which can be nerve-wracking for owners trimming them. White or clear nails are generally easier to manage since the quick is more visible.
3. Nails Help with Grip and Stability
Dog nails provide grip when they run, walk, or climb. Their nails act as traction tools on surfaces, particularly outdoors or on softer ground. Trimmed nails can help prevent slips on smooth or hard surfaces, reducing the risk of falls or injuries.
4. Nails Have a Blood Vessel Called the “Quick”
The “quick” is the pinkish area inside each nail where the blood vessels and nerves are located. Cutting into the quick during a nail trim can cause bleeding and pain, which is why it’s essential to trim nails carefully. Over time, the quick can grow closer to the tip if nails aren’t trimmed regularly, making them more challenging to cut.
5. Dewclaws Are “Extra” Nails on Some Dogs
Dewclaws are nails located higher up on the inner side of a dog’s paw, sort of like a thumb. While many dogs have dewclaws on their front legs, some breeds also have them on their back legs. Dewclaws don’t wear down as much as other nails, so they often require regular trimming.
6. Long Nails Can Lead to Painful Issues
Overgrown nails can put pressure on a dog’s toes, forcing them into unnatural positions. This can cause pain, make walking uncomfortable, and even lead to joint or bone issues. In severe cases, long nails can even curve and grow into a dog’s paw pads, which can be extremely painful and may require a vet’s attention.
7. Dogs’ Nails Are Part of Their “Footprint”
If you’ve ever noticed scratch marks where your dog walked, that’s because their nails create distinctive marks on softer surfaces. Wildlife trackers often use claw marks as clues to identify wild canines, like wolves or foxes, since the nail marks can help differentiate them from other animals.
8. Nails Are Made of Keratin
A dog’s nails are made of keratin, the same tough protein found in human hair and nails. This makes them strong but also vulnerable to cracking and splitting, especially if they’re too long or dry. Regular care can help keep them healthy and prevent splitting.
9. Some Breeds Naturally Have Longer or Thicker Nails
Certain dog breeds, like Greyhounds, tend to have thicker nails due to their paw structure. These thicker nails can require special clippers or extra care when trimming to avoid damaging them. Meanwhile, smaller breeds with dainty paws tend to have thinner, more delicate nails.
10. Regular Trimming Reduces the Quick’s Growth
If a dog’s nails are allowed to grow too long, the quick inside will also lengthen, making it harder to trim the nails to an appropriate length without causing pain. Regular trimming helps keep the quick shorter over time, allowing for healthier, shorter nails. For dogs with overgrown nails, gradual trims every couple of weeks can help the quick recede safely. Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
