I thought I might start a bit of a column on here and entitle it "Down The Rabbit Hole", as that is what I find happens to me when I get a topic in my head that I, or friends, want to know more about.
Today, based on having some boarders over the weekend, I wanted to talk about nail trimming. I know this can be a stressful topic (for both you and your Pyrenees) but it is one of the utmost import.
Susan Garret wrote a great blog post on this topic in 2013 (viewable here) that was a great resource for me when I first decided I needed to learn more about proper nail keeping. I would like to expand on it a little bit with some other ideas.
Nail health and length have more impact on a dog's overall well-being than we often realize. The condition of a dog's nails plays a crucial role in how their paws interact with the ground, influencing not just the immediate area of the toes but also extending its effects up through the entire leg. When a dog's nails are too long, the way they strike the ground can lead to a series of biomechanical changes that affect the joints and bones in the legs, including the elbows, patellas, shoulders, and hips.
The intricate balance and weight distribution of a dog are highly dependent on the positioning and movement of their paws. When a dog walks or runs, the alignment of their nails has a direct impact on how their weight is distributed across their limbs. If the nails are overly long, they can cause the paw to be positioned incorrectly, leading to an unnatural posture that can disrupt the dog's natural gait. This misalignment can result in a plantigrade position of the paw, where the entire foot makes contact with the ground, causing uneven weight distribution and increasing the risk of injury.
Moreover, the consequences of neglecting nail care extend beyond just the immediate discomfort. Long nails can lead to paw pad malformation, where the pads do not develop correctly due to the improper angles and pressure exerted on them. This malformation can further exacerbate issues related to weight distribution, leading to joint stress and potentially resulting in early-onset arthritis. As the dog continues to compensate for the discomfort caused by their nails, their gait may change. This alteration in movement can create a ripple effect throughout their body, causing strain and pain in various areas as they adjust to the discomfort. The dewclaws of a Pyrenees can cause a lot of concern, especially when they are allowing to curl around and grow into the paw pad (or get dangerously close). Longer dewclaws also raise the risk of getting caught and torn.
For breeds like the Pyrenees, which are known for their strength and endurance, maintaining optimal nail health is essential. The pain and discomfort associated with long nails can significantly affect their quality of life, leading to reduced activity levels and an overall decline in physical health. Regular nail trimming and proper paw care are vital practices for dog owners, ensuring that their pets can move comfortably and maintain their natural gait. Long nails can also impact housemates by accidentally creating a dangerous weapon during otherwise regular play; recently I have witnessed an injury to the inner corner of a Great Pyr's eye, likely caused by the overly long nails of her housemate during a pawing play session (we all know how they can whap each other in the face). Luckily, the nail only caught tissue and did not impact the eye itself! By prioritizing nail health, owners can help prevent unnecessary pain and promote better mobility for their beloved companions, ultimately leading to a happier and healthier life for their Pyrenees.
There is a great video from Susan's blog post with Dr. Leslie Woodcock, DVM - I recommend you take the 14minutes it runs to get some insight into how nails work and some better ways to mange them - click here. In this video she discusses the anatomy of the nail and some other aspects we do not always consider (how hair around the pads affects proprioception for example) and techniques to help get nails shorter.
For those who are very uncomfortable with clipping or dremeling nails, there is the option of teaching your dog to use a scratch board. We have had great success with this method for helping keep our less co-operative dog's nails reasonable. Making a scratch board is RIDICULOUSLY easy (please for the love of heaven so not go buy one!) and can be a fun activity for you and your dog. To make the scratch board you just need:
12-16" square piece of wood 1/2-3/4" thick (to take the hits) or we have seen cutting boards be used - if you elect a plastic cutting board see brackets
11x9" piece of sand paper - start with fine grit if you feel necessary, but we tend to use medium to coarse
staples (or white/gorilla glue for plastic boards)
duct tape
Instructions:
Centre the sand paper on the board
Attach with staples in the four corners (or with glue if plastic board)
Use duct tape to edge it, ensuring edge of sand paper is covered by at least 1/2" of duct tape, to ensure the edges are not caught by nails.
There are many videos on YouTube for how to train your dog to use this - I won't cite a specific one here, as they all cover the same basic information. My tip is to be sure you have high value treats to encourage the usual Pyrenean mentality to cooperate readily.
The ultimate aim is to keep your dog's nails short enough so they don't make a clicking sound when walking. Achieving this may require patience as the quick gradually recedes, so be prepared for a gradual process. For those who have dogs from us: Katie is ALWAYS available to trim nails! If your dog is staying with us, feel free to request this service. There is a small fee, but rest assured, their nails will be well-maintained.
We sincerely hope that this information proves to be invaluable in assisting you with the important task of managing your Pyrenees' nails. Regular nail care is not only essential for the comfort, but also plays a significant role in overall health and well-being. By keeping your Pyrenees' nails at an appropriate length, you can help prevent a variety of issues, such as painful splitting, cracking, or even infections that can arise from overly long nails. Additionally, understanding the anatomy of your dog's nails and the potential consequences of neglecting nail trimming can provide you with greater insight into the importance of this grooming practice. We trust that with this knowledge, you will feel more confident in your ability to keep your Pyrenees' nails short and healthy, ensuring they remain happy and active. Furthermore, we encourage you to explore different techniques and tools available for nail trimming, as well as to establish a regular grooming routine that best suits your pet's needs. This proactive approach will not only enhance your Pyrenees' comfort but also strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion.
Comments