Even those of us who have dogs that don't require brushing and trimming have work to do - nail trimming isn't just cosmetic. Did you know that if your dog's nails are too long, it can severely alter the way they have to walk? 

I'm not just talking about comically long nails that CLEARLY need to be trimmed - technically speaking, any time you can hear your dog's nails clacking on the floor, they're too long. Yes, you read that right. The end of the nail shouldn't even touch the ground.  

When a dog walks, their body is designed to put weight evenly through the end of their toe pads. If the nail is too long, the dog is forced to rock the weight back more onto the heel end of their paw. Dogs also have a harder time getting up off the floor if their weight distribution is off, which is unnecessary strain. We owe it to our dogs to keep their nails short. 

That's all fine and dandy for you, Allegra, you might say. Your dog stands for his nail trims. What can I do if my dog hates the process, has black nails, or just won't let me do it? First of all, do NOT follow that viral "life hack" of wrapping your head in saran wrap, smearing peanut butter on it, and letting your dog lick your forehead as you trim their nails. One wrong move and your dog will be inches away from your face and very very upset. Commercial groomers such as Petco and Petsmart offer nail trims on a walk in or call ahead basis at their facilities for a small fee. Take advantage of visits to the vet and ask for them to give you a hand. Spend time playing with your dog's feet and giving them treats after - it's ticklish there! 10 minutes a day will benefit you in the long run, and your dog will thank you as they age. Nails are a part of mobility we can easily keep correct, so why not put in the effort? 

xo, A & P