5 Signs Your Dog's Nails Need a Trim

Nail trims are easy to put off, especially with a dog who doesn't love having their paws handled. But nails that grow too long don't just look overgrown — they can push a dog's toes out of their natural position and change how weight sits on their feet.

Signs to Watch For

• You can hear a clicking sound when your dog walks across a hard floor.
• The nails visibly curve or curl, especially on the dewclaws (the ones higher up the leg that don't touch the ground).
• Your dog's toes look splayed out to the side rather than sitting naturally under the paw.
• Your dog seems reluctant to walk on hard or slippery floors, or shifts their weight oddly when standing.
• It's been more than 4–6 weeks since the last trim — a reasonable default even if you haven't noticed any of the above yet.

Why Professional Trimming Helps

Every nail has a quick — a blood vessel that grows longer along with the nail — which is why trimming too far can cause bleeding and understandably makes some dogs (and owners) nervous about the whole process. A professional groomer trims a little at a time and knows how to work with a nervous dog patiently, rather than rushing through it. If your dog is particularly anxious about their paws, mentioning that ahead of time helps the groomer plan for it.