Caring for our pets’ nails is much more than just a matter of aesthetics, it is an essential component of their health, comfort and ability to move. Nails that are too long can cause pain, finger deformities, fractures, and even wounds that become infected. next to, Proper nail maintenance helps prevent accidents inside the home Like while walking.
However, for many guardians, trimming dog and cat nails is a stressful time, filled with questions about how to do it right, how to avoid bleeding, and how to deal with a nervous animal. Between myths and conflicting advice, it’s easy to feel lost, especially When it comes to dark nails or animals with limited mobility.
To highlight this practice and provide recommendations based on clinical experience, Laura Gonzalez, veterinarian and founder of the YouTube channel Your veterinarianExplains everything we need to know about how to cut nails safely and ethically.
Why is it important to cut nails?
According to Gonzalez, when the nails exceed the level of the pads, the animals poorly support their feet and this It can cause pain, sprains, or even deformities in the fingers. In more severe cases, nails can break or curl until they dig into the flesh, causing wounds and infections.
This occurs frequently in the so-called incentivizeThe nail that does not touch the ground. “They tend to grow spirally, and if not cut off, can become stuck to the animal’s skin,” the vet warns.
But how do we know when to cut our dogs and cats’ nails? According to Gonzalez, There are two clear signs that it’s time to cut back. The first is auditory: If the animal is walking on hard ground and you can hear nail strikes or scraping, it’s time to cut. The second sign is visible: if you apply a pencil or ruler from the end of the plate to the nail, and it sticks out, it means it has grown too much.
The reason is that there is a cut outside the stratum corneum, reaching the living part of the nail
However, one of the most common concerns is occasional bleeding. In this sense, the vet sends a message of reassurance. “Nothing happens at all,” he says. “It’s more scandalous than dangerous.” “The reason is that there is a cut outside the stratum corneum, reaching the living part of the nailWhich contains blood vessels and nerves.”
In these cases, it is recommended to apply pressure with gauze or cotton for a few minutes. If available Hemostatic powders also Silver nitrateIt can also be used to stop bleeding quickly.
Tricks for black nails
Dark nails are a challenge, because it’s not easy to see where the raw part ends. To solve it, the veterinarian advises Illuminate the nail with a powerful flashlightpreferably on a mobile phone, and place it below. “Under the light you can usually see how far the blood vessels go,” he explains.
“If it is not yet seen, the length can be calculated using an imaginary straight line from the pad to the tip of the nail as a reference,” the expert adds. “For those who don’t dare use scissors, there is Electrical files “Designed for animals that avoid the risk of bleeding, and if the animal gets used to it, it can be a comfortable and safe alternative.”
The vet confirms the necessity Accustoming animals to puppies To manipulate legs and tools (whenever possible). “You have to do it little by little, with rewards and positive reinforcement,” he explains. “If the animal is afraid, it is best to stop and continue another day.”
Factors that accelerate nail growth
Some diseases such as LeishmaniasisIt can cause abnormal growth and brittle nails, which is known as Onychomycosis. It also occurs in animals that have mobility problems or are very mobile, as their nails naturally thin.
On the other hand, Gonzalez denounces a practice that he considers actual torture: Onychoectomy Or declawing, a surgical procedure that involves amputating a cat’s third phalanx to remove its claws. “It’s as if the last phalanx of each finger and toe has been amputated,” he explains.
Although it is already banned in Spain, the vet recalls that “not everyone knows what it really involves” and calls for compassion and education.
About The Author
