Does Walking Your Dog Trim Their Nails?

Clipping your dog’s nails may not be your favorite hobby, even with the excellent clippers, so many dog owners have likely asked whether there is a method to keep a dog’s nails in control. Since most owners take their canines on regular walks, this raises the question: will walking my dog trim their nails?

When a dog’s paws touch the ground, it helps them cut their nails naturally. Walk your pup frequently so that he or she may maintain a healthy weight. This is the most natural way for a puppy to keep short nails, although they will occasionally require assistance because of their constant contact with soft surfaces.

Does Walking Your Dog Trim Their Nails

Dog Nail Care

The maintenance of your dog’s nails is essential if you want your pup to be able to walk, run, and otherwise move around without discomfort. When your dog’s nails are excessively long, they produce an awkward foot angle. This results in an uneven distribution of pressure across the toes, which can make the nail base uncomfortable and sensitive.

Dogs with long nails are at a greater risk of having their nails split or splinter. This is the same thing as a hangnail on a human being. It is highly uncomfortable and may even require a treatment visit to the animal hospital. The veterinary doctor will remove the hangnail under sedation and administer pain medication. Afterward, the foot will be bandaged to avoid infection in the nail bed.

Long-nailed canines may stumble or walk carefully on marble or tile flooring. Nail maintenance is crucial for older dogs or pups with arthritis.

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Does Walking Your Dog Trim Their Nails?

Walking the dogs is a favorite time of the day and the best aspect of being a dog owner. If you walk on solid sidewalks or pavement, it will be much simpler for you to maintain control of your dog’s claws.

If your dog’s nails are too long, you won’t be able to cut them by walking on concrete. Instead, you’ll need to cut them first. You should walk your pup on hard surfaces with moderation, as you do with most of life’s activities.

If you wish to cut their nails, don’t walk them just on sidewalks. This has too many drawbacks.

There are a few factors that you need to bear in mind before moving on.

Walking Frequency and Duration

Dogs kept as pets in urban areas frequently do not get sufficient physical activity simply because there is a lack of available space and time. Small dogs may live in flats and apartments but require daily walks and time in a park on weekends for their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Walking Surface

The surface on which your canine companion walks will also significantly impact.  Your dog needs dirt, pebbles, and hard surfaces like tarmac or concrete to file his nails, so spend plenty of time outside with him. You and your pup will have a lot more fun if you play fetch at the park rather than in your backyard.

Wild Behaviours That May Help

If you have a city garden, letting your dog run free can shorten nails. Outdoor activities such as digging, scratching, and running around benefit any dog’s mental and physical well-being and help them wear down their long nails. 

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Best Surfaces for Natural Trimming

The following are some of the most practical surfaces for naturally trimming his nails:

  • Concrete: Concrete is one of the most typical surface materials, as it can be found anywhere. Your dog will have a much easier time trimming his nails on this firm surface.
  • Sand: Although the sand is not a hard surface, environments with a lot of sand, such as beaches, might stimulate your pup to dig, allowing them to access more compacted sand. Because of this activity, their claws may stay shorter as well.
  • A Paved Backyard: If you allow your dog out regularly in the backyard, the paver surface will effectively stop your dog’s nails from growing to an unhealthy length.

Do Sidewalks Trim Dogs’ Nails?

Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed can be tricky for regular maintenance. Some dogs’ nails may wear down from regular walks on concrete sidewalks, but if your dog mostly receives exercise outside, you may need to cut them weekly.

Does Walking Your Dog Trim Their Nails

Do Dog Nails Wear Down Naturally?

Your pup’s claws are always developing, like your fingernails and toenails. Your dog’s undomesticated canines wore down their claws by running, hunting, and clawing, but our canines spend much of their time indoors or on soft surfaces, such as lawns.

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What to Do if My Dog Hates Getting Its Nails Trimmed?

Your dog may avoid nail clipping because he associates it with bad memories or anxiety. After having their nails clipped, some canines experience discomfort in their legs, and they may have the sensation that they are being confined since their leg is held so near to a sharp instrument.

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In this case, you can calm your dog down by making him or her feel good. If you have dog clippers, let your dog sniff them, associate them with dog goodies, and give him time. You should reward him with food once you have trimmed his nails. Some advice on how to use nail clippers can be found here.