The continuous growth of a dog’s nails is a natural process, yet without proper care, it can become a hazard to the dog’s health. Overly long nails can negatively impact a dog’s stance, joint angles, mobility, and overall movement. Dogs typically possess four or five digits per limb, with the first digit, known as the dew claw, usually situated on the front limbs. Some dogs may have dew claws on all limbs or none at all. Each digit ends with a nail that, in a healthy dog, grows persistently and wears down through activity.
The nails of canines consist of several layers, with a tough outer keratin layer safeguarding the inner tissues, blood vessels, and nerves close to the bone of the nail bed. Although this keratin layer is durable, it is meant to diminish in length through natural abrasion. Without sufficient wear, or if not trimmed, the nails can grow long enough to make contact with the ground, which can lead to improper movement patterns.
To determine if a dog’s nails are excessively long, two methods can be employed. The first involves a visual inspection: when the dog is standing, one should check if the nails touch the ground. The second method is auditory; by listening for a tapping noise as the dog walks or trots on a hard surface, one can ascertain if the nails are too long. The ideal nail length allows for traction during forceful movement without contacting the ground during a walk or trot.
Excessively long nails can degrade a dog’s quality of life by altering foot biomechanics, shifting weight distribution from the toe pads to the larger central pad. This change affects how the toes flex during movement and impacts shock absorption at the point of impact. The altered foot angulation can strain the digital flexors along the back of the leg and potentially affect joint angles all the way up to the shoulder and hip. As a result, the body may compensate through the spinal region, potentially leading to a compromised posture.
Maintaining correct postural alignment is crucial for a dog’s health and safety. Any need for the body to compensate can heighten the risk of injury. Issues such as limited range of motion, impaired biomechanics, or dysfunctional movement can all increase the likelihood of compensatory injuries. Nail length is a fundamental aspect of canine biomechanics, influencing shock absorption in the foot, limb angulation, and the stress on muscles.
For numerous dogs, routine nail maintenance is essential. By employing the visual and auditory checks previously mentioned, one can monitor for nail overgrowth. Caution is advised to avoid cutting the nails too short, which may expose sensitive nerves and blood vessels, causing significant pain.
If a dog suffers from long nails, consulting a professional about manual therapy treatments is recommended. Therapeutic interventions can enhance functionality, restore movement range, alleviate fascial adhesions, and lessen muscle tension.
