trimming goldens nails

[MeredithL]

I have a year old golden who hasent had her nails trimmed. I was wondering if its neccesary(sp?) to cut a goldens nails. If it is how often would be best?

Thanks!

[Hunnybug]

I think that it probably is neccesary. I have heard that sometimes they can wear them down on their own by walking on certain surfaces. I am not sure if this is true and what surfaces work, I have always trimmed Honey's nails. If the nails grow too long, it can cause the dogs toes to be splayed out and the dog can have problems walking. It could become very uncomfortable. The nails will also sometimes become curled under and grow into the pads. I trim Honey's nails every couple of weeks.

Sarah

[geckogirl3]

Walking on a lot of concrete will keep the nails down. But it will still be necessary to trim the dewclaws, unless they were removed as a puppy. Some dogs will tolerate a dremmel being used to grind the nail down, instead of the clippers. Use it at a low speed though, of course.

Bree

[wendstress]

I trim every couple weeks! If your dog won't tolerate it, perhaps your vet can cut your dog's nails. My parents have a Golden that is a problem-child when it comes to nail trimming, so they take him to the Vet's office to get the task done.

[Chris817]

Here are a couple of things you can possibly try......

Try cutting the nails after a bath or swimming. :067 The nails seem to be "softer" just like humans! They cut much easier! Also, to get my golden to cooperate while cutting nails, is, I have my daughter feed her treats the whole time she's getting her nails cut. She hardly even knows what's going on, other than the fact that she's getting treats! :910

Hope these little tips help you!!:054

:434
Chris

[Jim]

I don't cut anymore. For the last several months I've been using a Dremel tool. It works great but takes a tad longer.

[Jo Ellen]

I play fetch with Daisy at the river -- the river rock keeps her nails very trim, sometimes too trim if she plays too hard.

:003

[clement's golden rule]

I have never trimmed Jaegers nails, except one, that was almost like a hang nail ( and that I did with a toenail clipper, and an emery board) my doggie clippers are out on loan, for the past year, since I never needed them..... I try to get him on the "road" one week out of the month, for our daily walks/runs and that suffices for a pedicure, for him.... the rest of the month, we do trails, off road, or dirt roads... the vet, commented on his nails, how nice they looked, and I had to tell her, that I never trimmed them.. she was amazed. I still touch and handle his feet, alot, though... just in case, something should become necessary, that some one would have to handle his feet excessively. in the summer, it's harder to do "road" work, cuz the pavement is hot, but we'd go later in the day, or earlier in the AM... I always test pavement, on my feet, always have sandals on, so we don't burn his feet.. or have him sit, on extremely hot surfaces.

[RooseveltUSMC]

Roosevelt had his first nail trim last night. He did really well, I just trimmed the tip since they were wicked sharp. I wanted him to have a good experience so I was extra careful. :cool:

[Jo Ellen]

It's kind of scary, isn't it? The first time I trimmed Daisy's nails, I barely did anything at all. You have to use so much pressure, it just seems like it's got to hurt.

[RooseveltUSMC]

I saw that they have one that will lock so you cut each nail equally I am so buying it :)

[Cypress]

I only have to cut the dewclaws...they get scarey looking.

[ChicagoCanine]

I try to keep my dogs nails very well trimmed (as good as possible)...

If a dog's nails are on the longer side, they can cause traction problems or even cause the dog to walk differently than they should (if they are touching the ground) which can throw their whole gait off or cause problems in their shoulders and other joints! So unless your dog really grinds down their nails way down from some type of hard surface IMO they should be trimmed regularly.
I tried a dremel once and loved it but it's a little scary as I keep thinking I'm going to catch their fur... But it worked so well that I just ordered a nail grinder made for dogs which is very similar to a dremel...

[Mariann]

Hello, I'm a new member of this forum!

I've never cut my golden's nail, he walks on asphalt every day (unfortunately there's not a park or or a field near our house) so his nails arent too big ;)