7 Common Problems That Can Affect Your Dog’s Claws

Dog claws may be small, but they play an essential role in your pet's balance, gripping, scratching, and general mobility. Unlike cats, whose claws retract, dogs' claws are in constant contact with the ground, which means they endure a lot of wear and tear.

Even minor issues with your dog's claws can cause significant pain. For example, tears, breaks, or hurting the sensitive quick while trimming can lead to heavy bleeding and discomfort. Therefore, it's vital to check your dog’s paws regularly—ideally a few times a week—to ensure their claws are healthy and growing as they should.

In this guide, we'll explore seven of the most common problems that can affect your dog's claws, along with advice on prevention and care to help keep your furry friend's paws in the best condition.

1. Trimming Injuries: Avoiding the Quick

One of the most frequent causes of claw problems is accidentally cutting into the quick during nail trimming. This is especially tricky if your dog has very long or dark nails where the quick isn’t visible. Nipping the quick causes sharp pain, makes your dog yelp, and can lead to heavy bleeding. It may also make your dog nervous about future nail trims.

Many owners choose to leave nail trimming to a professional groomer or vet to reduce this risk. Alternatively, regular walks on hard surfaces like pavement can naturally wear down nails, reducing the need for clipping.

If you do clip your dog’s claws at home, take your time and only trim small amounts gradually, as the quick grows with the nail.

2. Tears and Breaks: Painful Damage to Watch For

Claws can easily tear, split, or break through accidents or rough play. These injuries are very painful and in severe cases might even affect the toes. When a claw splits, it often grows back with the crack rather than healing perfectly, potentially leading to complications.

Keeping claws at a manageable length reduces the chance of such injuries. Should your dog suffer from a torn or broken claw, it’s important to see your vet promptly to assess and treat the damage.

3. Infections: Bacterial and Fungal Concerns

Claws and paws are vulnerable to infections, especially if there are injuries or foreign objects. Both bacterial and fungal infections can develop, causing swelling, redness, pain, and sometimes abscesses around the nail and in the nail sheath.

Maintaining clean, healthy paws and regular trimming can lower the risk. If you notice any signs of infection, such as discharge, smell, or limping, consult your vet immediately for appropriate treatment.

4. Foreign Bodies: Hidden Irritants in Your Dog’s Paws

Dirt, seeds, thorns, or small debris can easily get trapped in the gaps between the paw pads or under the nail sheaths. These foreign bodies can cause irritation, discomfort, and inflammation as the body tries to expel them.

If you suspect something is lodged beneath a nail sheath or inside the paw that you can’t remove, it’s best to have a veterinary professional examine and safely remove it.

5. Overgrown Claws: Hidden Dangers of Length

Overgrown nails are more than just unsightly—they increase the chances of nails catching on objects and tearing or splitting. They can also alter your dog’s gait, causing discomfort and even long-term joint issues.

Regular trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth. Ideally, your dog’s claws should just brush the ground without curling or growing excessively long.

6. Abnormal Claw Growth: When Claws Grow Oddly

Normally, dog claws emerge cleanly from the sheath with a slight downward curve that fits the paw’s shape. However, certain factors such as injuries, dietary problems, or health conditions can cause abnormal growth. Claws may twist, curl awkwardly, or grow into the paw, causing pain and potential infection.

Prevent this by avoiding injuries and keeping claws trimmed. If you notice abnormal claw shapes, seek veterinary advice to minimise further complications and ensure proper claw health.

7. Dewclaw Damage: Often Overlooked But Important

Dewclaws are extra claws that grow on the inside of the front legs in most dogs and sometimes on the hind legs in certain breeds. These claws can grow too long or catch on things, potentially ripping or causing painful growth problems.

If your dog’s dewclaws tend to cause trouble, discuss with your vet whether surgical removal might be a good option to prevent recurrent injury and pain. If the dewclaws are healthy, simply check them regularly like the other claws.

Summary: Keeping Your Dog’s Claws Healthy

Regular checks, careful trimming, and prompt attention to any problems are key to maintaining your dog’s paw health. Claws play vital roles in your dog’s mobility and comfort, so don’t overlook them. If you’re ever unsure about trimming or notice signs of injury or infection, consulting your vet is always the safest course.

Taking good care of your dog’s claws helps ensure happy, pain-free paws and a happier, more comfortable pet.

For those looking to find a new best friend, it’s important to seek out reputable breeders or consider adoption to promote responsible dog ownership.