Overgrown nails are one of the most common and easily preventable sources of chronic pain in companion dogs. Regular trimming is a basic welfare responsibility that many owners neglect.
Dog nail welfare is a common but often invisible source of chronic pain. Dogs with severely overgrown nails alter their gait to reduce pressure, causing secondary joint stress in the toes, carpals, and spine. This gait change is observable but often attributed to other causes. Dewclaws that curl into the pad cause acute infection that can be severe before discovery. The welfare failure is almost entirely preventable through regular trimming by the owner or a groomer. Desensitisation to nail trimming from puppyhood prevents the anxiety that causes many owners to avoid the procedure. Dog welfare assessments by vets should routinely include nail length as a welfare indicator.