We’ve already covered ear plucking, anal glands, and brushing in our Frequently Asked Grooming Questions series. Today we’re moving on to another big one — nail care. This is one of the most common topics groomers get asked about, and also one of the most misunderstood.

Let’s break it down in a way that’s honest, clear, and rooted in real‑world grooming experience.

✂️ Why Nail Trimming Matters

Nail trimming isn’t just cosmetic — it’s essential for your dog’s comfort and long‑term health. Overgrown nails can cause:

• Pain when walking
• Joint strain
• Splayed toes
• Posture issues
• Snagging or tearing
• Increased sensitivity

Keeping nails short helps your dog move comfortably and prevents avoidable injuries.

🐶 Why Nail Length Varies From Dog to Dog

Not all dogs grow nails at the same rate. There are many variables that affect nail growth, including:

• Breed
• Age
• Activity level
• Walking surfaces (grass vs. concrete)
• Diet
• Genetics
• Health conditions

Some dogs naturally wear their nails down. Others barely touch the ground with their nails and need trims more often.

❤️ The Quick: Why It Matters

Inside every nail is the quick — the blood supply and nerve.
The quick determines how short a groomer can safely trim.

If the nails have been allowed to grow too long, the quick grows longer too. That means:

• We cannot trim the nails as short as owners may want
• Cutting too far risks pain and bleeding
• Progress must be made slowly, over time
• Frequent trims are needed to encourage the quick to recede

This is why routine nail care is so important.

🏡 Nail Care Is Primarily the Owner’s Responsibility

This part is crucial:

👉 Nail trims are not something that only groomers or vets are responsible for.

👉 They are a regular care task that owners must stay on top of.

Groomers typically see dogs every 4–8 weeks, which is not enough to maintain short nails on its own. Many dogs need trims every 1–2 weeks to keep the quick from growing out.

When owners rely solely on grooming appointments, nails will inevitably become too long — and that’s not the groomer’s fault.

🚩 A Red Flag in the Grooming World

It’s a red flag when someone blames:

• A groomer
• A family member
• A boarding facility
• A pet sitter
• A vacation
• A vet
• Being out of town

…for their dog’s overgrown nails.

All of these situations are avoidable with proper planning and regular care.
Nail maintenance is a shared responsibility — but primarily an owner responsibility.

Groomers can help maintain a routine, but we cannot undo months (or years) of neglect in a single appointment.

🔄 What Groomers Can Do

Groomers can:

• Trim nails safely
• Use grinders to smooth edges
• Help the quick recede over time
• Recommend a trimming schedule
• Monitor progress

But we cannot:

• Cut past the quick
• Make nails magically short in one visit
• Replace consistent at‑home care
• Take responsibility for long‑term neglect

Healthy nails require teamwork — and consistency.

🐾 Final Thoughts

Nail trimming is one of the most important parts of dog care, but also one of the most overlooked. Every dog is different, every quick is different, and every situation requires patience and routine.

When owners stay consistent, groomers can do their job safely and effectively — and your dog stays comfortable, healthy, and happy.