Clipping the nails is a standard procedure for dogs and cats. The need for this arises about once a month in cases where the nails grow to excessive length and do not grind naturally. In a cat, this happens if it moves a lot, runs, climbs trees. Dogs are helped in this by walking on asphalt roads. But even under these conditions, it is necessary to cut the fifth claw in cats and dogs. It is located on the back of the front paws just above the toes, never scratches on anything and grows freely, so that in older cats it can curl up into a ring and even sink into the skin.
Both puppies and kittens need to be taught to trim their nails from an early age. Only under this condition will the whole procedure become routine for the pet and will not cause stress.
As they grow back, a dog’s claws can bend into a hook and dig into the pads of the toes, which can lead to injury, inflammation and lameness. Too long claws also lead to deformation of the toes and improper positioning of the foot. This is especially true for small (indoor) dog breeds, as well as old, sick and weakened animals, as they lead an inactive lifestyle. In winter, the condition of the claws must be monitored more carefully, since their grinding occurs to a lesser extent.
In cats, the situation with claws is somewhat different. If a cat goes outside, then she should not cut her claws – they are necessary for protection and the ability to hide, for example, from dogs, climbing a tree. But in this case, you will have to come to terms with the fact that furniture, wallpaper and the hands of the owners may periodically suffer from long and sharp claws. Of course, such a cat can be taught to use a scratching post, but if there are children in the house, it will still be safer to cut off the very tips of the claws.