How Often Do Dogs Need Their Nails Trimmed?

Being a responsible dog parent means performing regular nail maintenance on their paws. This isn't just for aesthetic purposes. Overgrown nails can be particularly painful for our pooches, especially if they make contact with their paw pads. This can cause bacteria to get trapped under the nail and lead to infection. That said, you may be wondering how often does your dog need a manicure? The answer varies depending on breed, size, age, and activity level.  

Generally speaking, most dogs need their nails cut once or twice a month. According to Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian at Vetster, large adult dogs, like labs, can go four to six weeks before they need a trim (via Rover). This same timeline applies to any other dog that spends time outdoors on pavement on a regular basis, since the pavement can wear down a dog's nail and function as a nail file. Meanwhile, dogs that don't do much walking on hard pavement (or who don't do much walking) typically need a trim about every two to four weeks. Puppies need their nails cut the most frequently – every one to two weeks – since this life stage is usually when nails grow at the fastest rate.

You can easily determine if your dog's nails are ready for a trim by judging how they sound. One tell-tale sign that your dog's nails are too long is if they make a clicking noise against your hard floors as your dog walks. At the ideal length, a dog's nails should not touch the ground when they walk or stand.

If you don't have any hard floors, you can tell that your dog is due for a trim by simply looking at them. Dog nails eventually start to curve toward the paw pads as they grow, so if you see them forming a crescent shape, it indicates overgrowth. For some dogs, overgrown nails can affect mobility and cause an irregular gait, so if your pooch's walk looks off, it may be time to break out the clippers.

When you start to notice these visible and audible signs, make note of the date, and keep track of how much time passes before you notice them again. That way, you can be more proactive and start trimming them before they get too long, since it can be difficult to trim overgrown dog nails if they're significantly overgrown. Just be sure you don't cut below the quick, if you plan to trim the nails yourself. You can use a standard pair of nail trimmers. You can also shorten your dog's nails with a Dremel tool or manual file instead of clippers, if your dog will cooperate. If it's too difficult to trim them on your own, you can have a professional groomer do it for you.