How to Tell If Your Dog’s Nails Are Too Long — and What to Do About It
If you've ever heard a clicking sound as your dog trots across a hard floor, chances are their nails are overdue for a trim. It's one of those things that sneaks up on owners — nails grow gradually, and it's easy to miss until they're already causing problems.
Here's how to spot the signs, understand the risks, and what to do about it.
Signs Your Dog's Nails Are Too Long
The clicking test. The clearest sign is sound. When your dog walks on tiles, laminate, or any hard surface, you should hear paws — not nails. If you can hear a tap or click with each step, the nails are touching the floor, which means they're already too long.
Visible curling. Pick up your dog's paw and take a look. Healthy nails should curve gently downward but not wrap around or curl under the pad. If they're starting to curl inward — especially on dewclaws — they've been left too long.
Changes in posture or gait. This one surprises a lot of owners. Overgrown nails press back into the paw pad with every step, which shifts how your dog distributes their weight. Over time, this can cause them to walk differently — leaning back on their heels, splaying their toes, or shuffling rather than striding normally.
Reluctance to walk or discomfort on hard surfaces. If your dog seems hesitant on tiles or keeps picking up a paw, overgrown nails could be the culprit.
Why Overgrown Nails Are a Real Problem
It's tempting to think of long nails as a cosmetic issue — a bit scruffy, but harmless. They're not. Nails that are consistently too long can:
Cause pain and joint strain as your dog compensates with an altered gait
Lead to splayed feet and weakened paw structure over time
Curl under and grow into the pad, causing painful infections
Snag on carpet or rough ground and tear, which bleeds and hurts
Dewclaws — the small extra claws higher up on the leg — are especially easy to forget because they don't touch the ground and don't wear down naturally. Left unchecked, they can spiral into the skin.
How Often Do Nails Need Trimming?
It depends on the dog and their lifestyle. Active dogs who spend a lot of time walking on pavements or rough outdoor surfaces will wear their nails down naturally faster than dogs who mostly walk on grass or soft ground. As a general guide, most dogs need a trim every four to six weeks.
Darker nails can be trickier to manage at home because you can't see the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail) as easily, making it more likely you'll cut too far and cause bleeding.
Professional Grooming Always Includes Nail Care
At Botanical Bark in Hemel Hempstead, nail trimming is included as standard in every grooming appointment. We take the time to check each nail individually — including those often-forgotten dewclaws — and file as well as clip for a smooth, comfortable finish.
If your dog's nails are clicking on the floor, curling, or you just can't remember the last time they were done, it's worth booking in. We'll get them sorted before any discomfort sets in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I've cut too short at home?
If you've caught the quick, you'll usually see a small amount of bleeding from the tip of the nail. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or use styptic powder if you have it — it heals quickly. Going forward, trim smaller amounts more frequently rather than taking a large chunk off in one go.
Can I trim my dog's nails at home?
Yes, with the right tools and patience. Use proper dog nail clippers — not human ones — and work in small increments. If your dog is anxious or has dark nails, a professional groomer will get it done more safely and with less stress for your dog.
My dog hates having their paws touched. What can I do?
Start gradually — handle paws regularly without clippers, rewarding calm behaviour with treats. Over time, introduce the clippers before you actually use them. Professional groomers are experienced with paw-sensitive dogs and can make the process far less stressful.
Ready to get those nails sorted? Book a grooming appointment with Botanical Bark via PetDesk and we'll take care of everything — nails included.