Can Long Nails Make My Dog Limp?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Long nails bend and catch on just about everything, causing both immediate and long term pain

. It’s important to examine your dog’s nails and keep them adequately short to prevent pain and limping. Have your dog’s nails trimmed regularly, but if one breaks seek veterinary care immediately.

Can overgrown dog nails cause problems?


Long claws are more prone to chipping, tearing, splitting and breaking

, which can be very painful and may require veterinary treatment. As well as being prone to damage, when a dog stands or walks on a long-clawed paw it puts pressure on the wrong parts of the foot, causing pain and discomfort.

Can nails make a dog limp?


Broken nails can be very painful for dogs and will cause limping if the pain is severe enough

. Nails can be torn off or broken by getting caught on just about anything, so it’s important to make sure your dog’s nails are kept adequately short to prevent this from happening.

Why would my dog suddenly start limping?

One reason for sudden limping in dogs could be

a paw or leg injury

. Superficial injuries can include a cut or scrape caused by a sharp object such as stepping on glass, getting stuck by a thorn, walking on a nail, or running on hot pavement.

Why is my dog limping but no pain?


Some minor injuries can lead to limping without pain, such as a minor tear to their ACL, minor patella luxation, or minor sprains

. Medically speaking, sprains harm the ligaments that connect bones. This can lead to joint damage if not properly taken care of.

How do you trim severely overgrown dog nails?

Can a long dew claw cause limping?

The risk of dew claw injury

Dew claws can get torn, broken or over grown.

Signs of a dew claw problems include limping, licking the area a lot and crying out when you touch the leg

. With any of these signs veterinary attention is required.

Why is my dog limping after a walk?

My dog is limping after exercise / walking.

If you notice a limp after exercising it may be that

the dog is doing too much at once

. You could try shorter walks more often, rather than one long walk and if there is no improvement then you could call us at PetGP to help assess the lameness.

When should I take my dog out for limping?


If the limp doesn’t begin to resolve itself, is becoming worse, or is accompanied with whining or yelping

, it’s time to call your vet or visit your nearest emergency vet. Your veterinarian has the training and knowledge to best determine the cause and severity of your pup’s pain.

How do you know if dogs nails are too long?

If a dog’s nails are too long,

you will hear them clack when the dog walks on hard surfaces

. Deciding if your dog’s nails are too long is quite simple. The claws should not protrude over the pad and should not touch the ground when standing. You can cut your dog’s nails at home.

How often should a dog’s nails be trimmed?

The average dog should have his nails clipped

every three to four weeks

, but it should be done as often as needed to keep the nail from touching the ground when your dog is standing.

How do groomers cut dog’s nails?

Why is my dog limping but not crying?

Limping can mean a lot of different things, including

a muscle sprain or a ligament injury

. It also depends on which leg is affected and exactly where the injury is on the limb. It is best to get your pet evaluated by a vet who can do a lameness exam to localize where the problem is on the leg.

Can a dog limp heal on its own?

When to Call the Vet

Gradual onset limps or sudden onset limps that don’t seem to be bothering your dog too much can usually wait a few hours, and

in some cases, may even resolve on their own during the waiting period

. In other cases, however, your dog can’t wait.

Can dog limping go away?

Most often, limping is something that can wait until the next business day to be diagnosed by the veterinarian.

If your dog’s limping goes away entirely, you may not need to see the veterinarian right away but do mention it at your next appointment and continue watching for other signs of an injury

.

What will vet do for limping dog?

Treatment for Mild Cases of Dog Limping

In some cases, pain relief and rest may be all that is needed. Veterinarians often prescribe

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories for mild to moderate pain

, such as: Carprofen. Deracoxib.

What can I give my dog for limping?

Soak the foot in warm water with Epsom salts to relieve swelling. Then apply

antibiotic ointment

. If the dog has swelling associated with a sprain, bruise or tendonitis, apply ice packs to the area for 15 minutes twice daily. Flowing water improves circulation, reduces swelling, and promotes healing.

How can I treat my dogs limping at home?

How long does it take for a dog’s nail quick to recede?

After trimming a small portion of an overgrown nail, generally, within

seven days

, the quick should have receded enough to allow you to trim off another little bit of nail again, according to The Everything Puppy Book: Choosing, Raising, and Training Our Littlest Best.

Will the quick recede?

After trimming the tip of the nail,

generally within seven days the quick should recede enough that you can have the nail trimmed again

, Carlo De Vito and Amy Ammen write in “The Everything Puppy Book: Choosing, Raising, and Training Our Littlest Best.” Consider that every time your vet or groomer trims your pooch’s …

How do I know if my dog has pulled a muscle?

Clinical signs of muscle tears include

pain on palpation (examination by touch during a physical exam) of the injured area, lameness or limping, swelling of the muscle, and/or bruising

.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.