When should I trim my dog's nails? What signs mean they're too long?

Question

How can you tell when a dog needs their nails cut? Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | neutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 16 lbs

Anna M., DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The average dog needs their nails cut every 4-8 weeks. If the nails are clear, you can see how much nail extends beyond the pink "quick" - the triangular shaped blood supply that comes from the base of the nail. If the nail is longer than about a cm beyond the quick, it's ready to be cut back. If the nails are starting to get more of a point or tapered edge at the tip, then they're getting too long. However, this quick grows with the nail - so the longer the nails get, the less you will be able to cut them back. When in doubt, cut the nails once a month - and over time you'll get a feel for your specific dog's needs and if you can spread those nail trims out a bit. Hope this helps!

When should I trim my dog's nails? What signs mean they're too long?

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