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Why is Nail Care Essential for Your
Pet's Health and
Peace of Mind?
Director of Veterinary Technician Services
Does your dog tap-dance across your hardwood floors? Do you hear a click-click-click every time your cat walks through the kitchen? These are more than just funny sounds: they're signs your pet may be overdue for a nail trim. Nail care isn’t just a cosmetic routine; it’s a crucial part of your pet's overall health. Left unchecked, overgrown nails can cause pain, posture problems, and even long-term damage.
Let’s explore why regular nail care matters, how to spot the signs of overgrowth, and why in-home grooming can be the best (and safest) option.
Overgrown nails can alter how your pet walks, leading to discomfort and joint issues over time. In dogs, for example, nails that touch the ground can exert force back into the nail bed, causing pain or misalignment in the toes, legs, and spine. Cats, too, can suffer from curled nails that dig into their paw pads.
According to the American Kennel Club, regular nail trims help your pet maintain proper foot structure, prevent injuries, and support long-term mobility.When your pet walks or runs, their nails should not make contact with the ground. If they do, the resulting pressure travels up into the toe joints, eventually contributing to arthritis, chronic pain, or even irreversible gait changes.
These issues are particularly concerning for aging pets, who may already be dealing with joint stiffness or muscle weakness.
"Nail care isn't just about preventing pain. It's also about allowing your pet to enjoy life; walking, running, and playing, without discomfort holding them back."
Here are common indicators that it’s time to schedule a trim:
✔️ Clicking or tapping sounds when they walk
✔️ Nails visible past the paw pad when standing
✔️ Reluctance to walk on hard surfaces
✔️ Constant licking or chewing of paws
✔️ Snagging nails on carpets or blankets
✔️ Limping or favoring one leg
Some pets may also become irritable or withdrawn when their nails are too long. Just like humans can develop discomfort from an ingrown toenail, animals experience frustration and even behavioral changes when they're in chronic pain.
The earlier you catch these signs, the better. Waiting too long can allow the nail’s quick to extend, making future trims more difficult and stressful.
Skipping trims can lead to:
✔️ Pain and limping
✔️ Nail fractures or splitting
✔️ Infections from ingrown nails
✔️ Damage to furniture and floors
✔️ Injury to family members
✔️ Postural misalignment
In extreme cases, nails can curl under and pierce the paw pad, leading to open wounds or abscesses.
These injuries can become infected and require medical intervention. In senior pets, mobility can decrease dramatically due to nail-related pain, leading to weight gain, depression, or even a shorter lifespan.Avoiding these outcomes is as simple as creating a consistent care routine.
Inside each nail is a blood vessel and nerve bundle called the quick. Trimming too far can cause bleeding and pain. The longer you wait between trims, the longer the quick grows, making it harder to keep nails short without injury.
According to ToeGrips, regular trims help recede the quick over time, making future trims easier and safer. That’s why consistency is key. Some pets may even need a series of "quick receding" trims spaced a few weeks apart to return nails to a healthy length.
This is especially important for black or dark-colored nails, where the quick isn't visible. In these cases, a trained eye makes all the difference.
Many pet parents try trimming nails at home, but it can be stressful for both of you. Pets may squirm, nails can splinter, and accidents happen. If you cut the quick, it can be painful and messy.
A professional caregiver knows how to:
✔️ Safely position your pet
✔️ Identify the quick (especially on dark nails)
✔️ Use the right tools (like clippers or grinders)
✔️ Keep your pet calm throughout the process
For anxious or senior pets, being in a familiar environment can reduce stress. That’s why many families are opting for in-home grooming solutions.
Grooming salons are a common choice, but they may not suit every pet. Long wait times, noisy environments, and unfamiliar handling can cause stress, especially for nervous or aging animals.
Here’s how in-home care compares:
"At-home care offers a tailored experience that prioritizes your pet’s comfort and safety. It’s especially beneficial for pets with anxiety, arthritis, or behavioral sensitivities."
We created the Pet Refresh to take the stress out of grooming. A trained caregiver comes to your home and provides three essential services:
✔️ Nail trim
✔️ Ear cleaning
✔️ Anal gland expression
These basic hygiene services are foundational to your pet’s comfort. Done regularly, they help prevent infections, reduce anxiety, and eliminate the need for sedated procedures.
You can book a standalone Nail Trim or bundle it with other at-home services.
pet care service
Homelove made vet care actually feel… loving. My dog Echo got her nails trimmed and ears cleaned at home, stress-free. No car rides. No vet anxiety. Just two kind, capable techs who met my high-energy pup where she felt safest.
Affordable, convenient, and way overdue. Austin needed this!
pet care service
Homelove was so wonderful and patient with our golden retriever puppy, Sadie!
They treated our dog as if it was their own. Her nails and ears are sparkling! It was fantastic to have these services done in the comfort of our own home. Thank you so much Homelove!
vet care service
I truly appreciate the services Homelove provided me and my dogs. Homelove saved me at least two hours personally by doing my pets’ appointments at home. My senior dog gets anxious at the vet, but the Homelove Caregivers kept my dogs calm and comfortable in our home. I’m really glad my vet gives us this convenient option by partnering with Homelove!
I work with a lot of other busy professionals in Austin who love their pets and I’ve already started recommending Homelove to them.
How often should I trim my pet’s nails?
Most pets need a trim every 3–6 weeks, depending on their activity level and nail growth. Indoor pets often need more frequent trims than active outdoor pets.
Can long nails hurt my dog or cat?
Yes. Long nails can cause pain, posture problems, and infections. They can even change how your pet walks, leading to long-term joint issues.
What if my pet hates nail trims?
Our caregivers are trained in low-stress handling techniques. Most pets are much calmer in their own homes, making trims easier and more pleasant.
Are nail trims included in regular vet visits?
Not always. Nail care is often considered a grooming task and may not be part of a wellness exam. It’s best to schedule trims separately to stay consistent.
Do you offer other in-home services?
Yes! We also offer in-home diagnostics, blood draws, and more through your existing veterinary practice. See how Homelove supports vets and pets.
Homelove is powered by Hound. Our technology has helped tens of thousands of veterinary caregivers work how they want, love their work, and care for more pets. We are unshakeable in our commitment to equip veterinary practices and caregivers with tools to empower the workforce and improve access to care. We are proud to be your partner in pet health.
