What Happens If You Never Trim Your Dog's Nails
Quick answer: If you never trim your dog's nails, they keep growing until they touch the ground, and VCA Animal Hospitals says nails that touch the ground "are too long and should be trimmed." Long nails tend to catch on things more than short ones, which can lead to a torn or broken nail, and dewclaws can curve around into the paw pad. The quick inside the nail can also grow out longer, which makes later trims trickier. If your dog seems sore, is limping, or anything worries you, call your veterinarian.
Most dog owners know they should trim their dog's nails. Far fewer know what actually happens when the trims stop. It usually isn't one big moment. Nails that stay a little too long, again and again, add up slowly, which is why it's easy to miss.
And there are real reasons trims get put off. Zakity founder Christina puts it this way: "Some owners can't afford frequent professional trims. Some pets become extremely stressed leaving home. And many owners want to trim at home but are afraid of cutting too far and hitting the quick."
Here's what veterinary sources say happens when nails go untrimmed, and how to get back on track.
Should dogs' nails touch the floor?
No. VCA Animal Hospitals gives a simple check: "Get down and look to see whether your dog's nails touch the ground. If they do, they are too long and should be trimmed." VCA adds that "If you can hear your dog's nails clicking on your hard floors when they walk, this is also a clear indicator that the nails are too long."
That's the click test, and it's the easiest place to start.
Do long nails hurt dogs?
They can, especially when a long nail catches on something. VCA explains that "Longer nails tend to get caught on things more than short ones," and that dogs "break their nails by snagging them on carpet, upholstery fibers, grass roots, etc." A broken nail, in VCA's words, "hurts and bleeds and requires immediate attention." If your dog tears or breaks a nail, call your veterinarian.
Over time, long nails can affect more than the nails. The American Kennel Club says long nails "can turn a sound paw into a splayed foot and reduce traction, and they can cause deformed feet and injure the tendons over an extended period." If your dog seems stiff, sore, is limping, or is walking differently, call your veterinarian.
Dewclaws can curve into the paw pad
Dewclaws are the most likely to get out of hand. VCA notes that "Dewclaws do not contact the ground, so they often become overgrown and can even curve around until they grow into the paw pad." Walks won't wear them down, so they need trimming even on very active dogs. Our dewclaw guide shows where to find them and how to trim them.
The quick grows out too
The quick is the living part inside the nail, the part that bleeds if it's cut. When trims stop, it doesn't stay put. VCA notes that "In some dogs, especially those who have not received regular nail trims, the quick may be grown out almost to the end of the nail." That leaves less room to trim, which is one more reason it's easier to stay ahead of trims than to catch up.
If your dog's nails are already long, take a little at a time and check the cut end after each snip. Your veterinarian or a groomer can help if you're unsure where to start. And if you do nick the quick, here's what to do if you cut your dog's nail too short.
How often should you trim your dog's nails?
A good starting point is to plan the next trim three to four weeks out. Then you'll be able to tell how long your particular dog needs between trims, because every pet is different. VCA notes that dogs "frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go longer between nail trims," while dogs that are inactive or don't spend time on hard surfaces "may need nail trims more frequently, such as every three weeks."
The right tools can make it easier to stay consistent
One of the biggest reasons trims get stretched out is worry about hitting the quick. That's especially true on dogs with dark or black nails, where the quick isn't visible from the outside. That hesitation is understandable, and the right tool can help.
The Zakity Dog Nail Clipper with Positionable 3x Magnifier has a 3x magnifier you can move yourself, so you can see what you're cutting more clearly and get a closer view of the cut end as you trim. The safety guard helps limit how much nail comes off per cut, and there's one on each side so the clipper works for left-handed or right-handed use. Less guesswork can mean less worry, which can make it easier to keep trims on track. It also comes in our Dog Nail Care Bundle, together with a lick mat to keep your dog busy and distracted and a canvas storage bag for the kit.
If you want a full walkthrough of the trimming process, our Dog Nail Trim Guide covers it step by step. And if your dog gets anxious during trims, a lick mat with a high-value treat can help keep them busy and distracted while you work.
The short version
Nails that never get trimmed keep growing until they touch the floor. They catch on things more easily and can tear, dewclaws can curve into the paw pad, and the quick can grow out, which makes later trims harder. Small, regular trims are one of the simplest ways to stay ahead of it. If anything about your dog's feet or the way they're walking worries you, call your veterinarian.
And every Zakity purchase gives back: 3% of the purchase price (excluding shipping and taxes) supports shelter and rescue pets.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you don't cut or trim your dog's nails?
They keep growing until they touch the ground, which VCA Animal Hospitals says means they are too long. Long nails tend to catch on things more, which can lead to a torn or broken nail. Dewclaws can curve into the paw pad, and the quick can grow out closer to the end of the nail, which makes later trims trickier.
Do long nails hurt dogs?
They can, especially if a long nail catches and tears. VCA says a broken nail "hurts and bleeds and requires immediate attention." The American Kennel Club adds that over time long nails can splay the foot, reduce traction, and "injure the tendons." If your dog seems sore or is limping, call your veterinarian.
Should dogs' nails touch the floor?
No. When your dog stands on a flat surface, their nails shouldn't touch the ground. If you hear clicking on tile or hardwood, it's time to trim.
Does walking on pavement file a dog's nails?
It can help. VCA says walking on a hard, rough surface "can help file the nail." But not every nail gets the same contact with the ground, and dewclaws don't touch the ground at all, so they still need trimming.
How often should I trim my dog's nails?
A good starting point is to plan the next trim three to four weeks out. Then you'll be able to tell how long your particular dog needs between trims, because every pet is different.
How do you cut overgrown dog nails?
A little at a time. The quick may have grown out closer to the end of the nail, so take small snips and check the cut end after each one. On black nails, a lighter gray cut surface means you still have room, while a darker, denser center means it's time to stop. If you're unsure where to start, your veterinarian or a groomer can help.
What happens if you don't cut or trim your cat's nails?
Cats can have problems too. VCA Animal Hospitals says that "In severe cases, a cat's nails can become so long that they curve around and grow into the paw pads, causing an infection." Our guide to trimming your cat's nails at home walks through it step by step.
Keep reading
- Dog Nail Care 101: The Quick, Black Nails, Puppies & FAQs
- How to Tell If Your Dog's Nails Are Too Long
- How to Trim Your Dog's Dewclaws
- How to Trim Black Dog Nails With Less Guesswork
About the Founder: Christina is the founder of Zakity and has upwards of 40 years of hands-on animal care experience. Her work includes serving as a veterinary technician at a large veterinary referral hospital, working in animal shelters and rescue, conducting animal cruelty investigations for a nonprofit animal welfare organization, and educating pet owners on proper animal care, including as an adjunct professor. Christina founded Zakity to give pet owners better tools for caring for their animals confidently at home, and to give back to the shelters and rescues she is deeply passionate about supporting. 3% of the purchase price (excluding shipping and taxes) supports shelter and rescue pets. Learn more at www.zakity.com.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding specific health concerns or conditions affecting your pet.