Regular nail trims are not only important for pet parents and families to avoid bad scratches on themselves and their furniture, they also have an important role in your pet’s health and well-being. Here’s a short list of reasons why you want to be sure to have your pet’s nails trimmed regularly.

Note: We recommend that dogs have their nails trimmed every 3 to 6 weeks, depending upon their activity level and nail growth. Cats, especially indoor cats, should have nails trimmed every 2 to 4 weeks.

  1. In Order to Prevent Painful Overgrown Nails. When nails grow too long, they curl and press into the paw pads. This can cause bruising, pain, or puncture wounds and lead to limping or being more sedentary.
  2. To Reduce the Risk of Nail Splitting or Tearing. Overgrown nails are more likely to snag on carpet, bedding, or furniture which can lead to nail splitting or tearing. Split or torn nails bleed heavily and are very painful, may require sedation to treat, and increase the risk of infection.
  3. For Maintaining Proper Foot Structure & Posture. Long nails push the toes upward when the pet walks which can alter their gait and posture. Over the long-term, this can lead to arthritis or joint strain and increase pressure on their hips, knees, shoulders, and spine.
  4. To Protect the Health of Dewclaws. Dewclaws (especially in dogs) rarely touch the ground and tend to overgrow quickly. Dewclaws can curl into the skin, are at risk of snagging and tearing and are more prone to infections or abscess than other nails.
  5. Preventing Painful Splaying or Weakening of the Toes. Constant pressure from long nails forces the foot into an unnatural position which can widen or “splay” toes over time, resulting in instability and poor traction.
  6. To Avoid Stress on Tendons. The longer the nail, the more it shifts the digit’s position and can cause chronic tension on tendons. This can result in long-term discomfort and lead to the development of tendonitis or joint inflammation.

Take advantage of our holiday special for the month of December 2025 and get your cat's or dog's standard or functional nail trim at Longevity Veterinary Center and save 30% off, all month long. Call (973) 606-1101 to schedule.