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Excessive claw growth

You may have noticed that your dog's nails have become too long and are causing him problems. This can have various causes, such as lack of care, too little exercise or an illness. In this article, you will learn how to recognize, prevent and treat excessive claw growth in dogs.

How do you recognize excessive claw growth in dogs?

Your dog's claws should not be longer than the pads of its paws. If they touch the ground or curl, they are too long. This can lead to pain, inflammation or injury. It can also affect your dog's posture and gait.

How can you prevent excessive claw growth in dogs?

The best way to prevent excessive claw growth is to let your dog walk regularly on hard surfaces. This ensures that the claws are sharpened naturally. You should also check your dog's paws regularly and give them a good diet.

How can you treat excessive claw growth in dogs?

If your dog's claws are too long, you should trim them or have them trimmed by a vet or a professional groomer. You need to be careful when doing this, as the claws contain blood vessels and nerves. If you cut them too short, this can lead to bleeding and pain. You should therefore only cut the tips of the claws and use special dog claw scissors. You can also use a file to smooth the edges.

Excessive claw growth in dogs is a common problem, but one that is easy to prevent and treat. By taking care of your dog's paws, you can save them a lot of suffering and promote their health and well-being.


The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

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