Humans achieve traction and foot protection by wearing shoes.  We even have an industry that specializes in different types of shoes, insoles, and other products designed specifically with your comfort and foot health in mind.  Imagine trying to run, accelerate, and turn corners without shoes. Now imagine running or walking on uneven ground or slippery surfaces wearing ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes.  Sounds challenging and painful, doesn't it?

Typically, nails are naturally worn down by walking on hard surfaces. That's why you may see less need to trim nails in the summer months when you and your pet are more active and walking on the pavement.  In the cooler months when we can't get outside, or if your pet is less active, that natural wearing down process doesn't happen.  When the nails get too long and you can hear them ticking on the floor, it's time to get them trimmed. 

 

"Having long nails changes the way a dog carries himself. A long nail causes the bones in the foot to flatten and sit more angled every time the dog walks or stands. The different angle of the bones when pressure is applied causes joint stress and can lead to joint pain and arthritis. It also leads to dropped wrists which make the dog look flat footed. Women reading this article can probably relate if they think about wearing high heels all the time. Long toe nails essentially do the same to dogs by changing the natural alignment of leg bones which adds torque or twisting to the joints. Personally, high heeled shoes wreak havoc on my knees and I suffer from knee joint pain for days after wearing them. I can't imagine the pain a dog goes through whose owner never trims his nails or doesn't trim nails often enough.

 

Changing the natural alignment also makes the dog less steady on his feet and can contribute to an increased probability of broken legs. If the dog's joints are out of whack, he can't catch himself from falling or landing as well. Again, if you compare how steady you ladies are in sneakers compared to high heels you can relate to how a dog with long nails might feel all the time. Since broken legs are already such a problem for Italian Greyhounds, this makes keeping your Iggy's nails trimmed even more important. - Bridget Wessel"

 

Dogs experience back and foot discomfort, too.  When your feet are sore you may limp, feel cranky, or just feel reluctant to move around much.  If your pet is exhibiting these traits and his nails are too long, there is a simple solution and it only takes a few minutes.