How Nail Length Affects Your Pet
Nail Care is more than just grooming—-it has a significant impact on your pet’s body, movement, and comfort!
We usually think of nail trims as simple grooming- but for your pet, they are sooo much more than just a mani-pedi!
Overgrown nails don’t just look unkempt, they actually change how your pet moves! Long nails shift weight distribution , strain muscles and joints, and can even contribute to chronic pain. They can even lead to issues with chronic tension and compensations leading to larger issues in mobility.
This week we are diving into how nail care isn’t just cosmetic or can be a frustrating chore (for both pet and caregiver)—it’s foundational for mobility, balance, and confidence!
What’s Normal
When your dog takes a step the nails should not touch the floor. Basically, you should be able to slide a thin piece of paper under the tip of each nail without difficulty. This allows for an ideal step where the paw pad lands first-soft, full, even contact with the ground. The toes are then able to adjust for balance and the leg is able to follow in a smooth forward motion without hesitation or difficulty. Nails will ideally hover just above or brush the ground surface with each step.
You shouldn’t hear clicking on floors!
You shouldn’t notice a “hitch”, hesitation, or twist in their leg with each step.
If you are unsure-stand your dog squarely and take a side photo at paw level. The nails should angle gently forward, not straight down or curling toward the ground.
What happens if Nails are too Long
When your dog’s (or cat’s) nails touch the ground, they push against the toes with every step. Even on smooth surfaces this contact causes the toe to change it’s normal movement and can lead to abnormal stress on joints, stretching tendons and ligaments, and forces the wrist and shoulder to compensate. All that constant pressure forces the feet and legs to adjust which can lead to changes in posture and joint comfort. Over time this causes soreness (or increased soreness) in paws, wrists, elbows, and shoulders and can even cause them to become hesitant to walk on hard surfaces or steps. Think of it like wearing shoes with curled toes or long nails on yourself—your posture shifts and everything from your knees to your back eventually feels it.
Nails are also apart of your pet’s sensory feedback system and balance. Keeps nails short allows supports stability and confidence in older and Neuro involved pets.
Bottom line: shorter nails allow the paw to land correctly, supporting a healthy body from the ground up and decreasing undue stress or pain.
Signs Your Pet’s Nails May be Too Long
-You hear click-click-click on hard floors
-Toes spay or twist outward when standing
-Nails curve or touch the floor
-Your pet hesitates on steps or seems “off balance”
-Dogs may try to pull legs under than to take weight off sore toes
Simple Tips for Nail Maintance
-Trim or Dremel nails often! Small, frequent trims are usually easiest on both you and you dog
-Reward with treats and Nilpraise to keep it a positive experience
-Practice handling paws gently between trims
-When in doubt, ask your vet or PT for help, we’re happy to demonstrate and discuss!
At Aligned Animal Rehab and Fitness, LLC we look at nails as a key part of the foundation for movement. Correct nail length allows for natural paw placement and subsequent muscle engagement with each step. Healthy nails are key to happy movement, because comfortable feet = confident movement!
Bottom Line
Nail length isn’t just a grooming issue-it’s a structural and mobility factor in your pet’s comfort and performance. Trimming nails consistently helps
-Protect joints
-Improve posture
-Enhance balance and stability
-Prevent long-term compensations
It’s truly one of the simplistic, most powerful ways to support mobility- from the ground up!
Contact us to book a consultation or learn more about how physical therapy can make all the difference for your dog’s mobility.
Because your pet deserves comfort, connection, and a body that supports the beautiful life they’re here to live!
