With Willow's ripped-off toenail, I've not been able to keep her nails on that foot trimmed for the last couple of weeks, and they needed doing at the time she actually hurt it, so they're over-long now. They grow so fast! I know that if I trim them gradually, the quick will recede so I can get them nice and short again, but does anyone know how quickly this happens? Could I trim the very ends (say 1mm) every other day, or is this too rapid? I really don't want to nick the quick and cause her any more pain on that foot - she's already quite foot-shy as it is. On the other hand, I want to be cutting enough back so that the quick does recede and I can get them back under control so she doesn't have any issues with overly long nails. Shadow's nails are so much easier, since I can see the quick inside. Black nails are a pain in the bum!
Re: How quickly does the quick recede on cut nails? Can't answer your question Fiona sorry although I'd be interested in the answer as well. I've never trimmed claws but I think I need to start trimming Scotts dew claws as they do get long and he broke one awhile ago. I was told as long as dogs get enough exercise on hard surfaces they don't usually need their claws trimmed. I'm now starting to wonder as so many on the forum seem to trim claws. Scotts claws are longer than scouts naturally, the vet explained its because of the angle they grow out of the toe not that they are too long. :-\
Re: How quickly does the quick recede on cut nails? Can't answer either but I'm planning to ask the vet on Thursday if she can trim Juno's claws which seem have got long with the restricted exercise, and she'll be nice and sleepy after the sedation for the x-rays.
Re: How quickly does the quick recede on cut nails? I heard some advice to take a little off every other day until they're as you want them. Not sure if that's any help
Re: How quickly does the quick recede on cut nails? [quote author=bbrown link=topic=10649.msg157757#msg157757 date=1429546458] I heard some advice to take a little off every other day until they're as you want them. Not sure if that's any help [/quote] That's along the lines of what I was thinking, thanks Barbara. I definitely have to cut their claws, because otherwise they would get horrendously long. I think Willow's nails are bionic! For those who haven't previously seen it, here's an article describing why it's important to keep their nails trimmed: http://www.dogheirs.com/dogheirs/po...e-nails-are-harmful-to-your-dogs-health-video I've found that the baby food pouches filled with sardine and tuna is a great tool for helping with nail trimming. John holds the dog and pouch, squeezing it very gently to keep a steady trickle of tasty goo, while I quickly clip the nails. It only takes a couple of minutes and neither dog seems to mind having it done too much.
Re: How quickly does the quick recede on cut nails? I haven't had harleys nails cut for about a year now. They are kept quite short by walking on pavements and other rough surfaces. My vet always comments on how good her nails are kept trim.
Re: How quickly does the quick recede on cut nails? I have never cut Charlie's nails. Once, the vet took a 0.5mm off one dew claw - as it was sharp, and snagged my cardis when he came for his cuddle - but said the other was fine, and it still is fine. His claws stay short, and neat. His standard routine involves an hour on lead on pavements (2 x 30 mins walk while I work) in addition to his off lead time. I'm sure this is just enough to keep his claws short.
Re: How quickly does the quick recede on cut nails? Riley does a reasonable amount of pavement so every now and then I only have to shorten his dew claws. Obi's need a little trim though because he's mostly on grass and mud ;D
Re: How quickly does the quick recede on cut nails? I trim Lochan's claws all the time but have never had to do Tarka. Same walk together every day. It just depends on the anatomy of the toe and claw how often if ever you have to do them. Lochan has black claws so I just take a couple of millimetres once or twice a week when she is asleep next to me on the sofa - she doesn't even wake up.
Re: How quickly does the quick recede on cut nails? There is a big difference between how Shadow's and Willow's nails grow. They're also a very different shape. Shadow's are short and squat, whereas Willow's are long and thin (the actual length of them aside). They do the same walks and, granted, there is very little road/pavement walking for them, so they're not naturally being shortened through that. I've never needed to cut any of my previous dogs' nails, although I wonder if they should have been cut and I'm simply more educated on the importance of it now? Having said that, the vets never said they needed doing, either. Also, I last had dogs in the UK and they got a lot more pavement time then. It's interesting that Lochan and Tarka have different trimming requirements with the same walks, too.
Re: How quickly does the quick recede on cut nails? I have to trim Penny's every couple of weeks as we don't do enough pavement walking to keep them down. Also it's personal preference that I don't like the look of long nails, oh and the two middle ones on her front feet start to cross over if I let them get too long. I think I might try and do them as you are Fiona - every couple of days to get them a bit shorter.
