My dog has nail trouble

QMy dog is prone to tearing a nail when we take him on walks. What can I do?

EMMA SAYS

AA dog’s nail can get torn or caught, and it can be painful for them. It can happen during a walk – say if a nail catches on a stone – or if your dog is running after a ball or playing. Like your own nails, a dog’s nail has a ‘quick’ (the centre) with a blood supply and nerves inside, and it can bleed if torn. As well as being painful, this can allow bacteria to get inside and cause an infection. So if you notice something wrong, it’s best to have it dealt with by a vet. The nail might need to be trimmed back while your pet is under sedation.

Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed regularly will reduce the chance of tears and splits happening. You can do this yourself with special nail clippers designed for pets. Take care not to cut the nails too short and damage the quick. If you’re unsure, someone at the vet’s will be happy to show you how to do it.