Caring for your dog’s nails
Nails should be cut at least once a month
Nails are one of the most important things you need to be looking after for your dog. Long nails are so uncomfortable for dogs, as it changes how they walk. Long term, this can have serious side effects, as it changes the shape of the dog’s foot and it also puts them at a higher risk of them pulling out or dislocating a toe.
Some dogs’ nails will grow a lot quicker than others – however, it’s so important to stay on top of it. The dog’s nails should sit either just off the floor or just touching - anything longer or facing the wrong way is too long.
Vets, dog groomers etc will offer a nail clipping service - but be sure to find someone you trust and that is insured to do so.
If you think your dog’s nails are too long, then please take them to be trimmed or send us a photo and we can advise if they need trimming.
If they do get to be quite long, it’s best to cut them back slowly over a space of time - if you let the nail grow you are also letting the quick underneath grow.
You can also use things such as a human nail file or nail grinder to help keep the nails short. You can file their nail down 10-15 seconds on each nail, and this naturally files the nails back. If you do road walking a lot, this will also help keep the nails filed down.
Photos below show length you are aiming for vs length to avoid.
Caring for your dog’s teeth
Teeth should be brushed at least 2-4 times week
It’s so important that dogs have good teeth hygiene as this will help prevent any problems later down the line.
All our dogs will have had a scale and polish at the vets or a dental if required before going to their homes, so as long as you keep up the brushing and hygiene care, their teeth should stay healthy.
Some dogs will have bad teeth genetics, so you could be doing everything you can and they still may need a dental further down the line.
Most greyhounds are also used to having their teeth done and will quite happily stand there and let you do them – with treat breaks of course!
If you don’t feel confident to brush them yourself, please speak to your vet or local groomer – again someone who is insured to do so, as teeth are delicate.
Other ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean include giving them an ostrich bone to chew on, or natural dog treats - chicken feet, rabbit ears, etc.
Bad teeth can cause discomfort and can lead to more serious health problems down the line, and bad teeth can also mean bad breath – which nobody wants!
Keeping nails short and brushing your dog’s teeth are basic animal needs and so important to the overall health of the dog.
