25 October 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Dog and Cat Nail Care

🐾 The Ultimate Guide to Dog and Cat Nail Care

Nail care for pets is an essential part of their overall health and well-being. Yet, it's often overlooked or postponed simply because many owners don't know exactly how to approach it. This blog post explains why nail care is so important, how to do it safely , and what to do if your pet struggles with it .

Why nail care is important

Both dogs and cats use their nails daily—for walking, climbing, playing, and defending themselves. However, overly long nails can cause annoying problems:

🦶 Pain when walking – Long nails press against the ground, causing the toes to bend unnaturally.
💥 Risk of ingrown nails – Especially in cats, nails can grow into the sole of the foot, which can become painful and inflamed.
🐾 Damage to furniture or floors – Excessive nail length can lead to more scratches in the home.
⚠️ Injury – A snagged nail can tear or bleed.

Regular nail clipping prevents all these problems and ensures that your pet can move comfortably and smoothly.

How often should you cut your nails?

The frequency varies by animal and lifestyle:

Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors on hard surfaces (like asphalt) often wear down their nails naturally. Check them every 4-6 weeks.
Dogs that live primarily indoors usually need a haircut more often, about every 3-4 weeks.
Cats sharpen their own nails on scratching posts, but indoor cats in particular often need extra help — on average every 4-6 weeks.

👉 Tip: When you hear your pet's nails clicking on the floor, it's time to trim them.

What do you need?

You don't need much to cut nails, but the right equipment makes it safer and more enjoyable:

✂️ A good nail clipper – Choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet.
💡 A well-lit room – So you can clearly see the 'life' in the nail (the pink part with blood vessels).
🧻 A little talcum powder or hemostatic powder – Just in case you accidentally cut too far.
🍖 Rewards – A treat afterward makes it a positive experience.

Step-by-step guide: how to clip dogs' nails

Let your dog get used to it first. Touch his paws regularly without clipping them right away.
Look closely at the nail. On light nails, you'll see the pink part (the "quick"). Cut just before it.
Use small cuts. It's better to cut a few small pieces at a time than to cut too much at once.
Filing is also allowed. If your dog is skittish, you can use an electric file.
Reward after every paw. This keeps it a positive experience.

Step-by-step guide: how to clip cats' nails

Choose a quiet moment. Cats are often more relaxed after eating or a nap.
Ensure a good grip. If necessary, wrap a towel around the cat for extra security.
Press gently on the toe. This will protrude the nail.
Only cut off the clear tip. Never touch the pink part.
If necessary, use a scratching post for maintenance. This helps keep the nails short naturally.

What if your pet doesn't like it?

Many animals aren't immediately enthusiastic about nail care. Patience and training are key:

Start with short sessions of a few seconds.
First touch only the paw and then reward.
Use a calm voice and rewards .
If all else fails, consider professional help from a groomer or veterinarian.

When to see the vet or groomer?

See a professional if:

Your pet is protesting violently or is anxious.
The nails are ingrown or broken .
There is blood or inflammation visible.
You're not sure how much you can cut.

A vet or groomer can do this safely and teach you how to maintain it yourself.

Finally, nail care is a loving routine

Nail care isn't just about hygiene, but also about love and care . By checking regularly and trimming carefully, you prevent pain and discomfort—and contribute to a healthy and happy life for your dog or cat.